A Modern History, from the Time of Luther to the Fall of Napoleon: For the Use of Schools and Colleges

A historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book aims to provide a condensed narrative of significant events and transformations in Europe over the past three hundred years, particularly focusing on the Protestant Reformation and its impact on society. This work is primarily targeted at young students, aiming to be both instructive and engaging, while also accessible for older readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of key historical changes. The opening of the book sets the stage by describing the remarkable changes in European society during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It highlights the revival of arts and literature, the rise of a mercantile class challenging the feudal system, and the increasing demand for reform in the face of ecclesiastical corruption. In this context, Martin Luther emerges as a pivotal figure, whose challenges against the papacy sparked a movement for reform, eventually leading to the Protestant Reformation. The text emphasizes the intellectual, artistic, and political atmosphere of the period, positing these developments as crucial precursors to a broader struggle for civil and religious liberties that characterized modern history.