
At the interior, Louis XVI tries to cure the evils of France.
Large ministers, Turgot, Malesherbes, Necker undertake excellent reforms, such as the abolition of the drudgery, freedom of movement of the grains, the reduction of the expenditure, the reduction in the privileges, etc.
But they meet resistances which they cannot overcome, and Louis XVI replaces them by courtiers.
De Calonne, which exhaust the treasure by its prodigalities, and Brienne, which increases the taxes.
Louis XVI, with end of resources, is forced to point out Necker (1788), and to convene the States General, to consult the nation on the reforms.
At outside, France glorieusement helps the United States of America against England and is raised with the eyes of Europe.
WAR Of AMERICA
The English colonies of America rise to conquer their independence (1774); they have sorrow to support the fight, when France comes liberally to their help.
The navy, raised by Choiseul under Louis XV, plays a glorious part in this war; France gains naval victories, in Ushant, in the Antilles and in the sea of the Indies; the French Army and American force English to capitulate in Yorktown (1781); England acknowledges itself overcome and signs the treaty of Versailles by which it recognizes the independence of the United States and returns to France Senegal and several Antilles (1783).
