The third French republic was proclaimed in 1870 and is the present government of the country.  Under the constitution there is a senate, the members of which are elected for nine years, and a lower house, elected for four years.  The president is chosen by these two houses of the legislature for a term of seven years.  No member of the old royal families may become president of the republic.  The president of France does not possess nearly so much power as the president of the United States.  Many of the executive duties are performed by the premier, or prime minister, and other cabinet ministers.

Republican France has become one of the great nations of the world, and its democratic institutions are firmly rooted in the hearts of the people.  It has been compelled to face German militarism by erecting a system of universal military training.  The patriotism and self-sacrifice of all classes during the Great War have been beyond praise.

Great Britain.—­During the nineteenth century Great Britain did not experience any of the sudden revolutions which appeared in nearly every other country of Europe.  For centuries England, Scotland, and Ireland had possessed representative institutions.  When reforms were needed, they were adopted gradually, by the natural process of lawmaking, instead of resulting from rebellion and revolt.  In this way Great Britain had been changed from an aristocratic government to one founded on democratic principles.  By 1884 the suffrage was nearly as extensive as in the United States.  Parliament became as truly representative of the people’s will as our American Congress.  Far-reaching social reforms were adopted which advanced the general welfare.  Among these reforms were acts for improving housing conditions, regulating hours of labor and use of machinery in factories, and establishing a national insurance system, old-age pensions, and compensation to injured workmen.

Great Britain was the first nation to experience the advantages and disadvantages of the new age of coal and iron, and the new methods of factory production.  Her wealth and commerce grew at a rapid rate, and she invested her profits in enterprises in many parts of the world.  The factory system drew so many workers from the farms, that Great Britain no longer raised sufficient food for her population.  She became dependent upon the United States, Australia, South America, and other lands for wheat, meat, and other necessaries of life.  Her merchant vessels were to be found in all parts of the world; and her navy was increased from year to year to protect her commerce and colonies.  From now on it became evident that England’s existence depended upon her ships.  If in time of war she lost control of the seas the enemy could starve her into submission.  Hence during the nineteenth century Great Britain’s policy was to maintain a fleet stronger than that of any possible combination against her.