Transcript Annotated Timeline of European History

Annotated Timeline of
European History
Golden Age of Greece


Greece developed on the Balkan Peninsula
and expanded to dominate the
Mediterranean. Greece’s rocky physical
features led to the growth of numerous citystates, which developed their own forms of
government.
Athens (democracy) and Sparta (military
oligarchy) were two of the most famous citystates. Greek culture diffused through trade
and conquest.
Rise of Rome


Romans built vast systems of roads and
bridges to move people/armies quickly. They
also built aqueducts to improve water
supplies to large cities. The Romans
significantly modified their environment with
public works projects and urban centers
The Roman army and navy were able to
control most of the Mediterranean region
Roman Republic to Empire



began with the Roman Republic and later
increased land holdings through conquest
Because of its central location, Rome
became the dominant power in the
Mediterranean
At its height, the large land empire spread
from Northern Britain to Africa and Asia.
Rise of Christianity and the Crusades


The Catholic Church pushed into northern
and Eastern Europe for about 400 years to
spread Christianity.
Crusaders followed established trade routes
in their move eastward and returned with new
technology and ideas spread through cultural
diffusion.
Holy Roman Empire

During the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne
became the protector of both the church and state in
central Europe. Charlemagne could expand his
territory because of the lack of any natural barriers
to impede his army’s conquests.

The Vatican City, where the Pope lives, is an
independent country within the city limits of Rome,
Italy. This political arrangement stems from the
historical power of the Catholic Church
Medieval Society


Feudalism was a medieval political and social
system based on agriculture. Nobles
controlled the land and divided it among their
knights and vassals in return for loyalty and
support. Small towns grew up around each
lord’s castle.
This is an example of settlement patterns and
the geographic influence of agriculture. New
agricultural methods during this time
increased crop yields.
Growth of Cities

Kings supported the growth of large cities
because it enabled them to provide protection
against powerful enemies. The growth of
cities and the increase in trade after the
Crusades helped speed the spread (diffusion)
of the bubonic plague across Europe in 1353.
Millions of people died.
Renaissance
The Renaissance began in the cities of
northern Italy and spread to other cities of
Europe. Italy’s central location on
Mediterranean trade routes made the area
rich and prosperous. The Alps protected Italy
from the north. The Renaissance spread
north and west from Italy.
Reformation
Some of the new ideas given birth in the
Renaissance led to questions about religion.
Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire (central
Europe) began to question the Church’s
power and teachings. Geography made it
difficult for Rome to exert influence and
control. The power of the Catholic Church
collapsed in central Europe. Trade and
geography had an impact on this event.
Age of Exploration

The Portuguese began exploration around
the coast of Africa toward the riches of Asia,
while Christopher Columbus searched for
another way to the East. Spain and
Portugal’s location on the ocean made them
the leaders in the age of exploration. New
technology made long voyages across open
oceans reasonable. The prevailing winds
carried explorers to new lands east and west.
Age of Revolution

In America, the colonists won freedom from
their mother country, while in Europe, the
people fought for freedom from their kings
and queens. The ideas of the French
Revolution spread with Napoleon’s conquest
of Europe. The Industrial Revolution led to
advances in industry and a migration of
workers from farms to cities to find work.
World War I


World War I lasted four years; many European cities
were destroyed and millions of people were killed or
wounded. European nations competed for power.
Germany’s central location left it with enemies on
two sides, Russia and France.
Russia was a monarchy (tsar)- because of poverty,
lack of bread, unemployment and losing the war,
Russians overthrew their government (Bolshnevik
Revolution) and created a Communist regime.
World War II

World War II was fought mainly in Europe
and the Pacific, and was even costlier and
bloodier than World War I. Germany, Japan
and Italy wanted to expand their control over
land and resources.
Cold War

The Cold War was the global competition
between the United States and the
Communist Soviet Union. After WWII an Iron
Curtain divided Europe between Soviet
control and Western freedom.