A History of Modern Europe - From the Renaissance to the Present

Declining Power, Disappearing State: The Ottoman Empire and Poland 431

placed further strains on European states. France entered a serious politi­
cal crisis when critics of the monarchy accused the king of ruling despoti­
cally and attacked the layers of economic and social privilege that seemed
to constrain effective government and constrict freedom. Demands for
sweeping reform led to the French Revolution of 1789, which proclaimed
the principle of the sovereignty of the nation. Once again, the eyes of Eu­
rope turned toward France.