Today, the strength of the Continental System will be tested once again.
Radicals and Republicans, Jacobins and Nationalists, all watched for signs of weakness. The malcontents of the world licked their wounds and bided their time. The Continental System established by Napoleon weathered the storm, battered but victorious. Fleury made the Papal doctrine Unigenitus part of French law and forbade any debate in Parlement, which caused the silent opposition to grow. On the surface it was the most peaceful and prosperous period of the reign of Louis XV, but it was built upon a growing volcano of opposition, particularly from the noble members of the Parlements, who saw their privileges and power reduced. In order to save on court expenses, he sent the youngest four daughters of the king to be educated at the Abbey of Fontevrault. He forbade the king to discuss politics with the Queen.
Fleury dictated the choices to be made, and encouraged the king's indecision and flattered his pride. Cardinal de Fleury byFrom 1726 until his death in 1743, Fleury effectively ruled France with the king's assent.
