A Manual of General History; Being an Outline History of the World from the Creation to the Present Time

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1877. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... conveniences and comforts of life were increased; the modes of warfare were revolutionized by the use of firearms;* the mariner's compass made ocean navigation possible, and thus extended commerce, and gave an impulse to exploration and adventure. The East was enabled to pour her treasures into the lap of the West; and the ends of the earth were brought into communication with each other. The invention of printing] gave to the modern world the intellectual riches of the ancients; and literature commenced its magnificent career. The particular events connected with each stage and phase of this mighty revolution of the world, will be narrated and explained as the history proceeds. Section I. England. From the Accession of Henry Vll., the first of the Tudors (1485), tc the present time. 1. Henry VII. was the son of Edmund Tu'dor and Margaret, a descendant of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster. In order to strengthen his title to the throne, and put an end to all dissensions between the rival families, he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward IV. Being * The process of making gra'tv1ated gunpowder was invented by Sehisartz in 1320, and Immediately thereafter almost every state commenced the use of cannon of small site. In 1344 Edward 111. used them at Crecy. Plated armor could then no longer protect the feudal tyrant against the weapon of the oppressed peasant. t The credit of this invention is contested by the Dutch in favor of Coster (1426). and by the Germane on behalf oi Guttnbertj (1441). Between 1450 and 1455, the latter succeeded in printing a Bible, in quarto size, the initial letter of each chapter being executed by the pen, in colors. Map Questions.--(See Progressive Map, No. 7.)--What countries in Europe border on the Atlantic Ocean? On the Mediterrane...