AP Euro Timeline

  • Gutenberg invents the printing press
    1450

    Gutenberg invents the printing press

    Printing Press: a machine for printing text more efficiently.
    This new invention allowed for accessibility to literature to all people. It also spreads humanism ideas through humanist writers works, throughout Europe.
  • Fall of Constantinople
    May 29, 1453

    Fall of Constantinople

    Constantinople falls to the Ottoman empire, ending the Byzantine Empire. Ending the middle ages and strengthening the Ottomans as a major power
  • End of the Byzantine Empire
    May 29, 1453

    End of the Byzantine Empire

    The Byzantine Empire ended when the Ottomans took over Constantinople.
  • Period: 1485 to

    Reign of the Tudor Dynasty

    Tudor Dynasty: A royal family of English rule, that created outlines to turn England from medieval times to a powerful nation
  • Columbus Voyage to the Americas
    1492

    Columbus Voyage to the Americas

    Christopher Columbus takes off on his trip to India, sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He ended up in the Americas unknowingly, believing he was in India.
  • Alhambra Decree
    1492

    Alhambra Decree

    The Alhambra Decree was a declaration made by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, that stated all Jews and Muslims must convert to Catholicism or be forced to leave the country. The penalty for staying in Spain and not converting was death.
  • Completion of the Reconquista
    1492

    Completion of the Reconquista

    The completion of the Reconquista happened after Spain concurred all of the Muslim territories around them. The Reconquista refers to the Spaniards goal to rule over Muslim territories and convert them to Christianity, giving Spain unity for their nation.
  • Michelangelo completes the painting of the Sistine Chapel
    1512

    Michelangelo completes the painting of the Sistine Chapel

    Michelangelo was a artist during the renaissance, who lead the change in more humanist artwork.
    The chapel was commissioned by Pope Julius II, in order to keep the church up with the rising change in art. They wanted to create religious influence with these paintings.
  • Martin Luther post his 95 Theses
    1517

    Martin Luther post his 95 Theses

    Martin Luther was a monk who started the protestant reformation by challenging indulgences and writing works on his views of religious aspects that were different from the Catholic Church's. And because of the Church's corruption during the time Luther wrote the 95 Theses, which were a list of his beliefs on what the Church should and should not be doing. He did this to help the clergy/parish realize that they were being taken advantage of.
  • Protestant Reformation Begins
    1517

    Protestant Reformation Begins

    The Protestant Reformation sparked after Martin Luther published his 95 Theses, bringing up realization for church members of the corruption. The Reformation was a movement primarily lead by the works of Martin Luther, this movement was meant to reform the Catholic Church and create new just religious systems.
  • Luther's attendance at the Diet of Worms
    1521

    Luther's attendance at the Diet of Worms

    Luther is called to recant his works in front of Charles V, at the Diet of Worms, which was a meeting held by the empire to address Martin Luther's work. When he refuses to due so he is outlawed and the Emperor Edicts anyone is allowed to kill Luther with no repercussions.
  • Machiavelli's "The Prince" is published
    1532

    Machiavelli's "The Prince" is published

    Machiavelli, a very influential humanist writer, wrote "The Prince" addressing monarchs and their behavior and decisions as leaders. He speaks on how he believes is acceptable for a Prince/Monarch to act.
  • Act of Supremacy under Henry VIII
    1534

    Act of Supremacy under Henry VIII

    An act established by Henry VIII, King of England from 1509-1547, separating England from the Roman Catholic Church. Henry VIII gave himself the position as head of the Church of England.
  • Creation of the Anglican Church
    1534

    Creation of the Anglican Church

    The Anglican Church, also known as the Church of England, was created following the Act of Supremacy and followed many values of the Catholic Church although it was separate.
  • Copernicus publishes "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres"
    1543

    Copernicus publishes "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres"

    Copernicus, an astronomer most famously known for creating a model of the solar system, published this work causing change in the way we view the solar system. He did this by saying the Sun is the center of the universe and not the Earth.
  • Period: 1545 to 1563

    Council of Trent (Catholic Reformation)

    The council of Trent was a series of meeting held by members of the Catholic Church. They discussed and planned a way to deal with the protestant reformation, and get more people back in the Roman Catholic Church.
  • Peace of Augsburg
    1555

    Peace of Augsburg

    A treaty passed by the Holy Roman Empire that ended the division of Lutherans and Catholics.
  • Cuius regio, eius religio
    1555

    Cuius regio, eius religio

    The cuius regio, eius religio, meaning whose realm, his religion, was put into effect because of the Peace of Augsburg and stated that leaders of each region were able to pick their peoples religion.
  • St. Bartholomew's Massacre
    1572

    St. Bartholomew's Massacre

    This was a massacre on the French Calvinists/Protestants by the Catholics. This was caused by the ongoing changes in religion in regions.
  • Period: to

    War of the Three Henrys

    A war on religion between Henry III of France, Henry of Navarre, and Henry I. The war started in a conflict of heirs and chosen religion. The previous king was a Catholic and the heir was a protestant, which was not acceptable for the region.
  • Philip II of Spain vs. Elizabeth I of England

    Philip II of Spain vs. Elizabeth I of England

    These two monarchs fought over religious authority, Philip II being a Catholic and Elizabeth I being a Protestant.
  • Defeat of the Spanish Armada

    Defeat of the Spanish Armada

    The Spanish Armada, a plethora of ships sent to England for invasion, was defeated by the English due to their use of cannons to take down Spain's ships. This caused the English to rise in power and fall of the Spanish empire.
  • Edict of Nantes

    Edict of Nantes

    The Edict of Nantes helped end the religious wars in France by allowing Protestants the right to many things including freedom to practice religion, education, and other things, giving them rights to be equal in the community.
  • Period: to

    Thirty Years War

    The Thirty Years War was a war beginning with a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants but towards the end shifted to be political when the Habsburgs tried to take dominance over the Holy Roman Empire and enforce Catholicism. There were four phases, Bohemian, Danish, Swedish, and French. Bohemian Protestants fought against the Habsburgs and lost which then caused Denmark to join to help fight with the Protestants. Then Swedish Protestants and French Protestants joined in.
  • Defenstration of Prague

    Defenstration of Prague

    The Defenestration of Prague was a protest against Habsburgs Catholic Rule during the Bohemian phase where nobles threw Catholic officials out a window of Prague Castle.
  • Period: to

    English Civil War

    The English Civil War was between the Royalist who supported Charles I, King of England from 1625 to 1649, and the Parliamentarians who supported England's Parliament led by Oliver Cromwell.
  • Peace of Westphalia

    Peace of Westphalia

    The Peace of Westphalia was a pivotal turn in the war causing its end. It stated that rulers could choose a religion for their state either Catholicism, Lutheranism, or Calvinism viewing all religions as equal.
  • Execution of Charles I

    Execution of Charles I

    King Charles I was executed for treason of disobedience to Parliament, believing solely in his divine right. This established the Common Wealth, which was a non monarchical government led by Parliament and military overseen by Oliver Cromwell, leader of this government in the role of Lord Protector.
  • Period: to

    Reign of Louis XIV at Versailles

    The Reign of King Louis XIV, the last Bourbon, at Versailles submitted France into a lot of trouble. Louis's commission of Versailles and his support of the American Revolution put France in a lot of debt, sparking the French Revolution.
  • The Glorious Revolution

    The Glorious Revolution

    The Glorious Revolution was when King James II was overthrown by the Parliamentarians and replaced by William III and Mary II, the heirs to the English throne who established a constitutional monarch putting parliament in a more powerful position.
  • English Bill of Rights

    English Bill of Rights

    The English Bill of Rights limited power of the monarchy, shifting the power towards Parliament. This made England a constitutional monarchy, were the monarch is the ruler but is restricted in power by a constitution.
  • John Locke Publishes Two Treaties of Government

    John Locke Publishes Two Treaties of Government

    Two Treaties of Government was a writing affirming governments proper values of natural rights of life, liberty, and property, and denying values of absolute monarchies and divine rights.
  • Treaty of Urtecht ends War of Spanish Succession

    Treaty of Urtecht ends War of Spanish Succession

    The War of Spanish Succession started when King Charles II of Spain died leaving conflict on who the heir to the thrown was. It was ended by the Treaty of Urtecht, confirming Philip V King of Spain and bringing peace to Spain with other laws helping balance the conflict.
  • War of Austrian Succession

    War of Austrian Succession

    The War of Austrian Succession started after Charles VI's death when Frederick the Great invaded land meant to be inherited by Maria Theresa, sparking conflict between the nations resulting in a war over land.
  • Period: to

    Reign of Maria Theresa of Austria

    Maria Theresa was a Habsburg who maintained absolute power over Austria during her reign.
  • Period: to

    Denis Diderot Publishes Encyclopedia

    Diderot's Encyclopedia was a work of the Enlightenment, sparking a shift in societal thinking of governmental authority as well as ideas of reason, it promoted facts over faith.
  • Period: to

    Seven Years War

    The Seven Years War was over land all across Europe and North America, Fredrick the Great, King of Prussia, starting the War by invading Saxony causing Louis XV, King of France, to step in fighting Britain and Prussia. Then Maria Theresa, Queen of Austria, attempted to gain her hereditary land back, fought against Prussia in alliance with France and Russia. George III, King of Great Britain, fought over land with France in North America.
  • Period: to

    Early Industrial Revolution in Great Britian

    The Industrial Revolution produced lots of literature on the Enlightenment, spreading its ideals throughout Europe. It also introduced factory systems which later became a very efficient provider in the industrial revolution.
  • Period: to

    Reign of Catherine the Great

    Catherine the Great of Russia was a great ruler with much success during her rule, sparking Russia's Golden Age. She expanded territory and modernized through Enlightenment, overall strengthening the government.
  • Treaty of Paris

    Treaty of Paris

    The Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years War by dividing the land up giving Britain the North American land, France North American lands East of Britain, and Spain getting Louisiana.
  • Period: to

    Pugachev's Rebellion

    Pugachev's Rebellion was a revolt against Catherine the Great after Pugachev claimed to be Peter III supposed Tsar of Russia promising to end serfdom, causing uprisings that eventually led to the execution of Pugachev.
  • Adam Smith publishes On the Wealth of Nations

    Adam Smith publishes On the Wealth of Nations

    On the Wealth of Nations was an influential work of Adam Smith stating that wealth of nations comes from the labor of the people, and advocated that a more restricted government could benefit this. It also promoted ideas that would later help shape more productive labor systems.
  • Period: to

    American Revolution

    The American Revolution was an uprising against Britain who had been oppressing Americans under their monarchy. This revolution sparked many others throughout Europe, leading by example.
  • The French Revolution Begins

    The French Revolution is sparked under the oppression of King Louis XVI's, King of France, and his unjust taxation of the Third Estate and its consequences as well as Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI's wife.
  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is published

    Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is published

    This declaration was created by the National Assembly, a group of the Third Estate trying to create a new constitution for France, confirming natural rights of man, rights to fight oppression, and their right to be equal.
  • Storming of Bastille

    Storming of Bastille

    The storming of Bastille was a protest done by the Third Estate stormed a prison and stole weapons and gunpowder to defy King Louis XVI.
  • Period: to

    Haitian Revolution

    Haiti, inspired by France and Americas Revolutions, sparked their own revolution for independence from France, led by Toussaint Louverture, abolishing slavery for their people.
  • The Reign of Terror

    The Reign of Terror

    This was a time in which French radicals, led by Robespeirre, leader of the radical phase of the revolution, eliminated all threats to the revolution with the help of the Commitee of Public Safety, a group meant to protect against enemies of the revolution, executing thousands of people.
  • Execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

    Execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

    After trying to plan a coup to take down the revolution Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were caught and accused of high treason resulting in their executions.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte takes power

    Napoleon Bonaparte takes power

    Napoleon Bonaparte came power when the revolution ended by overthrowing the Directory. He gave himself absolute power putting himself in the top position as consulate, which is the highest power in the system.
  • Napoleon Crowns himself Emperor

    Napoleon Crowns himself Emperor

    Napoleon crowns himself Emperor even though he already had full power.
  • End of Holy Roman Empire

    End of Holy Roman Empire

    The Holy Roman Empire ended when power turned to the regions instead of the whole state.
  • Period: to

    Age of Metternich

    The age of Metternich was a period of time at which Europe was under heavy influence of Klemens von Metternich's views. He believed in centralizing power and restoring stability in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. This meant he was against all liberal ideas of reform.
  • Battle of Waterloo

    Battle of Waterloo

    Napoleon is defeated by the Duke of Wellington, ending the Napoleonic wars.
  • Congress of Vienna

    The Congress of Vienna changed Europe's map, balancing Europe after the wars, this was done by Prince Metternich, Prince of Austria. This also restored conservative order, restoring the monarchies defeating the purpose of the Revolutions that progressed away from monarchies and their ideals.
  • Congress of Vienna meets

    Congress of Vienna meets

    The Congress of Vienna was an attempt to return Europe's balance of power and was led mainly by Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia, and France. They met throughout September of 1814 to June of 1815 and they discussed and worked out ways to restore stability in Europe.
  • Carlsbad Decrees issued in Austria

    Carlsbad Decrees issued in Austria

    The Carlsbad Decrees were a set of rules meant to stop all actions of liberal and national reforms passed by the German Confederation.
  • Peterloo Massacre

    Peterloo Massacre

    The Peterloo Massacre was a peaceful protest led for a want of reform in parliament in England. Englands military stepped in to break up the protest and that resulted in several injuries and even deaths.
  • Napoleon dies

    Napoleon dies

    Napoleon's death resulted in the restoration of a constitutional monarchy in France.
  • Decembrist Revolt in Russia

    Decembrist Revolt in Russia

    The Decembrist Revolt in Russia was a protest against serfdom led by officers and aristocrats. The revolt was shut down but was the first political uprising of its kind in Russian society.
  • Revolutions of 1830: France and Belgium

    Revolutions of 1830: France and Belgium

    The French and Belgium Revolutions of 1830 were both revolutions to gain independence from oppressive rule. France broke away from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Belgium gained independence from the United Kingdom.
  • July Revolution in France

    July Revolution in France

    The July Revolution lasted three days and was an uprising against King Charles X's July Ordinances and resulted in a new ruler for France.
  • Charles X's overthrow; Louis-Philippe becomes "Citizen King"

    Charles X's overthrow; Louis-Philippe becomes "Citizen King"

    King Charles X is overthrown during the July Revolution and brought Louis Philippe into power and given the title of "Citizen King".
  • Great Reform Act of 1832

    Great Reform Act of 1832

    The Great Reform Act of 1832 was passed in the U.K by their parliament in order to reform the voting system to avoid further upset in uprisings.
  • Revolutions of 1848

    Revolutions of 1848

    The Revolutions of 1848 were inspired by liberal, nationalist, and socialist ideas that became very influential at the time. Most of these Revolutions failed due to a divisions within radical groups.
  • Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish Communist Manifesto

    Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish Communist Manifesto

    The publication of Communist Manifesto set the groundwork for capitalist overthrows by creating new ideas of equality in society and government.
  • Metternich is removed

    Metternich is removed

    Metternich is removed due to contradictions in his conservative ways with the growing societal unrest caused by increased liberalism and nationalism.
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    Crimean War

    The Crimean War was a dispute of land based on protection of religious land. Russia fought against the Ottomans and their allies Britain and France, to protect Palestine. This was also the first war with modern technology that allowed for overseas communication and photography.
  • Franco-Austrian War

    Franco-Austrian War

    The Franco-Austrian War was an Italian independence movement against the oppression of Austrian Empire.
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    Second Industrial Revolution

    The second industrial revolution produced electricity, the telegraph system, and increased production in factories systems.
  • Italian Unification

    Italian Unification

    The Italian Unification combined Italy into one nation instead of multiple divided states. It was led by Cavour, Italian politician, who led Piedmont, and Garibaldi, italian general, who led the Redshirts.
  • Alexander II of Russia emancipates the serfs

    Alexander II of Russia emancipates the serfs

    Alexander II emancipated the serfs by signing the Emancipation Manifesto giving the serfs freedom. This gave them rights to their own lives, by allowing them to marry freely, own property, and more.
  • Austro-Prussian War

    Austro-Prussian War

    The Austro-Prussian War was a short conflict between Prussia and the Austrian Empire that which Prussia won.
  • Period: to

    Franco-Prussian War

    The Franco-Prussian War was a conflict between France and Prussia. France was led by Napoleon III, president of France and Prussia was led by Otto von Bismarck, President of Prussia.
  • German Unification

    German Unification

    The German Unification was a cause of the Franco-Prussian War and was led by Kaiser Wilhelm I, King of Prussia.
  • Congress of Berlin

    Congress of Berlin

    The Congress of Berlin was a meeting to split up Europe evenly after disputes that led to an imbalance of power in order to regain the balance of power.
  • Triple Alliance Formed

    Triple Alliance Formed

    The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. It's purpose was to keep balance of power by creating a powerful alliance.
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    The Berlin Conference

    The Berlin Conference was organized by Otto von Bismarck to make the African colonization equal to avoid conflict. This led to the Scramble for Africa causing 90% of the continent to be colonized but also caused more competition between European powers.
  • Dreyfuss Affair

    Dreyfuss Affair

    The Dreyfuss Affair was a scandal of a Jewish man wrongly accused of spying on Germany and caused antisemitism to rise in France.
  • Russian Revolution of 1905

    Russian Revolution of 1905

    The Russian Revolution of 1905 was initiated by the Bloody Sunday protests, were protesters were fired up on despite causing no harm. This Revolution was under rule of Tsar Nicholas II, who's reforms and refusal to consider citizens needs led to the peoples unrest. This led to the creation of Duma, an assembly that replaced the Romanov dynasty.
  • Triple Entente Forms

    Triple Entente Forms

    The Triple Entente consisted of the British, French, and Russian Empires creating a balance of power.
  • Bosnian Crisis

    Bosnian Crisis

    The Bosnian Crisis was a contributing factor leading up to Wold War I. This happened because of Austria-Hungary taking over the Balkans which resulted in each nations allies becoming involved.
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    Balkan Wars

    The Balkan Wars resulted in the fall of the Ottoman Empire but after the land gained back was divided more disputes over territory broke out.
  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the start of World War I.