Great part of North America formerly belonged to Great Britain, but some disputes arising between the mother country (England) and the colonies, a war ensued, which was, at length, terminated in favour of the Americans, and in 1783 they were declared a free, sovereign, and independent nation. This part of America is now distinguished by the appellation of "the United States." General Washington, of whom you have frequently heard me speak, was an American. I must now finish my lecture on geography, which, though very imperfect, has yet exceeded the usual limits of our lessons; many interesting circumstances relating to the various countries I have mentioned, have been entirely omitted, as I was fearful that by telling you too much on the subject I should prevent you from remembering any of the particulars so necessary for you to retain. _Anne._ Oh, dear mamma! how much I thank you for what you have told me about geography, I think it very entertaining, and I like looking over maps; but now I should very much like to know the history of all these countries. _Mrs. Harley._ To-morrow, my dear, I will give you some account of them, but to know all the particulars of each nation would require you to read more volumes than as yet you have patience for. Farewell. _CHAPTER VII._ WEDNESDAY. _Mrs. Harley._ We will this morning, my dear, contrary to the usual custom, begin our instructions with the _Lesson_ instead of the _Story_; and as the two last days have given you some idea of geography, I think I cannot better employ the present than by devoting it to History. _Anne._ You know, mamma, I am always happy to learn what you are so good as to teach me. Pray, if I was to ask you the meaning of the word History, how would you answer me? _Mrs. Harley._ I should say, my dear, that History is a relation of the past actions of men and women. It is divided into sacred and profane. By sacred history is meant all the relations that are contained in the Old and New Testaments. _Anne._ And of which you have already given me some account, mamma. _Mrs. Harley._ From your earliest childhood, my dear, it has been my constant endeavour to store your mind with as much knowledge of sacred subjects as I thought it capable of receiving. By profane history is meant the account of all transactions not included in the sacred volumes. Ancient history relates the events that happened from the creation of the world to the birth of Jesus Christ: Modern history, those from the birth of Jesus Christ to the present time. Ancient history is divided into the four periods or aeras of the four successive monarchies called universal. _Anne._ Why were they called universal monarchies, mamma?