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486 General History oj Europe commander easily defeated the revolutionists and placed Ferdi- nand in a position to stamp out his enemies. He did this in such a ferocious and bloodthirsty manner that his French allies were heartily ashamed of him. 865. European Policies and the Monroe Doctrine. While France was helping to restore absolutism in Spain the Spanish colonies, as we have seen, were rapidly winning their independ- ence, encouraged by the United States and England. The threats of Metternich and his friends to help Spain restore her control over her colonies led President Monroe, in his message to Congress, December, 1823, to call attention to the dangers of intervention as practiced by the European alliance of great powers, and clearly state what has since become famous as the "Monroe Doctrine" namely, that the United States would consider any attempt on the part of the European allies to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States and as an unfriendly act. QUESTIONS I. Upon what points did the Congress of Vienna easily agree ? Upon what two points was there serious discord ? II. Who were the Bourbons, and how did they come to reign both in France and in Spain? What was the Charter of 1814? Contrast Charles X with Louis XVIII. III. What were the chief results of the Napoleonic period in Ger- many? How was Prussia strengthened as a result of Napoleon's in- tervention in Germany? Describe the German Confederation of 1815. Who was Metternich, and what were his views ? Do you think that the government ought to prevent criticism of its policy ? IV. Of what states was Italy composed after 1815? What were the chief obstacles in the way of a united Italy ? How did the Pope come to be the ruler of an Italian state ? Explain why Metternich was able to oppose successfully the tendencies toward revolution. What two new kingdoms were added to the map between 1815 and 1848? What do you understand by neutrality? What colonies did Spain hold in America ? What caused the Spanish colonies to revolt from the mother country? What were the circumstances which led to the formulation of the "Monroe Doctrine."