X.] THE CHANGES SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 211 There was a scheme for France buying the duchy ot Luxemburg, which had been held by the king of the Netherlands as a member of the German Confederation, but which did not form part of the new North German body. The French scheme however was hindered, and Luxemburg remained a separate duchy under its former sovereign. In all these ways signs were given that the French power abroad was waning. At home some sense of the helplessness of a people under an almost absolute monarchy made the emperor try to relax his hold, and bring in liberal ministers and a more liberal policy. Paris and other places had begun to return members strongly opposed to despotism, and the legislative body to shew signs of greater independence. In December, 1869, under the ministry of M. Emile Ollivier, some changes were proposed in the constitution to give the chambers greater power. This was called the crozvniiig of the edifice, and it was confirmed as usual )y ^plebiscite on the Sth of May, 1870. Louis Napoleon was failing in health and vigour, corruption was at work in every office, and the army, though splendid in appearance, was ill-supplied and cheated to an almost incredible amount by those whose duty it was to provide for it. Surges of discontent were rising, and Louis Napoleon looked to some fresh and brilliant war to dazzle the eyes and win the hearts of the people. 13. The Franco-German War, 1870. — Asparkwasnow only wanting to light the flame, and this spark came from Spain. Isabel II. had been deposed in 1868, and the country had been without a king or any settled govern- ment till, in 1870, Leopold of Hohenzollern, a distant kinsman of the Prussian royal family, was invited to assume the crown. To this Louis Napoleon would not consent, and there was great indignation shewn in France. The prince resigned his candidature, but Louis Napoleon insisted that his ambassador should demand a pledge from the King of Prussia that it should not be renewed. This pressure King William could not but regard as in- sulting and meant to bring on war ; he would not attend to the ambassador, and there was an immediate outcry all over France that the majesty of the great nation had been affronted, and must be avenged. On these grounds France declared war in 1870. It was doubtless hoped, that, as England had helped in the attack on Russi?. and Sardinia in the attack on Austria, so Southern Germa:iy P 2
