95 Thesis
Religious thinker Martin Luther pinned this document to the door of a church, in protest to many church practices but especially indulgences.,
... [Show More] written by Martin Luther in 1517, they are widely regarded as the primary catalyst for the Protestant Reformation. Luther used these theses to display his displeasure with some of the Church's clergy's abuses, most notably the sale of indulgences; this ultimately gave birth to Protestantism.
Spanish Armada
A Spanish fleet attempted to attack England and to overflow Elizabeth I, primarily to eliminate Protestantism. They failed epically, partly because of the weather., the Spanish fleet that attempted to invade England, ending in disaster, due to the raging storm in the English Channel as well as the smaller and better English navy led by Francis Drake. This is viewed as the decline of Spain's Golden Age, and the rise of England as a world naval power.
Peace of Westphalia
This was the treaty that ended the Thirty Years' War that recognized the independent authority of over three hundred German principalities
Glorious Revolution
William of Orange (renamed William III) invaded England at the request of its citizens. He overthrew James II and Catholicism along with him., In this bloodless revolution, the English Parliament and William and Mary agreed to overthrow James II for the sake of Protestantism. This led to a constitutional monarchy and the drafting of the English Bill of Rights.
Treaty of Utrecht
The treaty that ended the War of Spanish Succession and stopped Louis XIV's attempts to gain more land for France, defending the balance of power.
French Revolution
The French people overthrew the king and his government, and then instituted a series of unsuccessful democratic governments until Napoleon took over as dictator in 1799.
Congress of Vienna
This agreement reorganized Europe following the defeat of Napoleon, restoring the balance of power., This was the meeting between the Quadruple Alliance in order to formulate a peace agreement and to balance the victories of the Napoleonic wars
Revolutions of 1848
A wave of political revolts beginning in France (of course), and spreading across Europe. They were all brutally put down.
German Empire-1871
Divided into states with no unified government.
Russian Revolution
The revolution against the Tsarist government which led to the abdication of Nicholas II and the creation of a provisional government in March 1917
Great Depression
The economic collapse. Its repurcussions included the rise of totalitarian powers in many countries, and terrible conditions for those affected.
1989 Communism collapse
Began with the policies of Gorbachev which lead to revolts in Russian sattelites and establishment of democratic governments in them.
Schmalkaldic League vs. HREmperor (Charles V)
The early wars of religion between northern Protestant states and southern Catholic states in the Holy Roman Empire.
Spain (Philip II) vs. England (Elizabeth)
The Spanish Armada. These two countries/rulers wanted to eliminate Protestantism and Catholic interference, respectively.
French Wars of Religion (Henry IV)
Internal conflict between the Catholics and the Huguenots, concluding with the Edict of Nantes.
Thirty Years' War (1618-1648, Holy Roman Empire)
The war began with a Catholic/Protestant conflict and matured into a multi-state political conflict, mainly France and the Holy Roman Empire competing for European dominance.
English Civil War ("Puritan Revolution", Cromwell)
Charles I was disliked, and avoided calling Parliament to keep his power. He was forced to, and this lead eventually to Oliver Cromewll declaring a commonwealth and bceoming Lord Protector.
Louis XIV
This French king ruled for the longest time ever in Europe. He issued several economic policies and costly wars. He was the prime example of absolutism in France.
War of Spanish Succession
The powers of Europe fought against a possible unity of France and Spanish, which would then upset the balance of power. It was ended by the Treaty of Utrecht.
War of Austrian Succession (Maria Theresa, Austria and Frederick II, Prussia)
A war sparked by challenges to Maria Theresa, as a woman, ascending to the Austrian throne. The most important consequence was the Prussians gaining Silesia.
Seven Years' War
Known in America as French and Indian war. It was the war between the French and their Indian allies and the English that proved the English to be the more dominant force of what was to be the United States both commercially and in terms of controlled regions.
French Revolution/Napoleonic Wars
These wars began with the rise of an (eventual) French dictator, who conquered nearly all of Europe.
Crimean War
Officially over the right to the Holy Land, this war was mainly about Russia trying to keep hold of its naval base in the Crimea.
France & Piedmont vs. Austria—1859 (Italian Unification)
Piedmont ruler Cavour dragged France into war with Austria to assist with Italian unification. France later backed out, but it still assisted Italian unification.
Austro-Prussian War—1866
Officially over an Austrian/Prussian disagreement of policy, but actually from Bismark's desire to rid himself of Austria, this war paved the way to German unification.
Franco-Prussian War—1870-71
France attacked Prussia to attempt to stop them becoming too powerful. Prussia won, and Napoleon III was dethroned. This war established the Third French Republic and the German Empire
World War I
War sparked by assassination of Archduke ferdinand. Causes were nationalism, and romanticism. Resulted in a humiliating German defeat and the establishment of communism in Russia
Spanish Civil War
In 1936 a rebellion erupted in Spain after a coalition of Republicans, Socialists, and Communists was elected. General Francisco Franco led the rebellion. The revolt quickly became a civil war. The Soviet Union provided arms and advisers to the government forces while Germany and Italy sent tanks, airplanes, and soldiers to help Franco.
World War II
Global conflict that stemmed from unresolved WWI issues, declarations came after Germany invaded Poland. Germany gained almost all of Europe before its defeat began with the loss in Stalingrad.
Cold War
The ideological struggle between communism (Soviet Union) and capitalism (United States) for world influence. The Soviet Union and the United States came to the brink of actual war during the Cuban missile crisis but never attacked one another. (831)
Ivan the Terrible
Leader whose actions were puzzling and cruel but who did lay the foundations for a new Russian state that included old Ievan Russia and stretched from Siberia to the Caspian Sea
Mikhail Romanov
First Romanov czar, ends the "Time of Troubles" in which there is chaos over who should rule Russia
Peter the Great
This was the czar of Russia that Westernized Russia and built up a massive Russian army. He also was interested in building grand cities like those in Western Europe
Procurator
Lay official of the Russian church; represented the interests of the tsar and extended control of the tsar over the church.
St. Petersburg
Capitol city created by Peter the Great to resemble a French city. Part of Peter's Westernization and attempts to get a warm-water port.
Catherine the Great
This was the empress of Russia who continued Peter's goal to Westernizing Russia, created a new law code, and greatly expanded Russia
Pugachev's Rebellion
1773, tried to restore traditional system with rights for peasants.
Alexander I
Seemed open to liberal ideas, he eased censorship, and promoted education, he talked about freeing the serfs, he then drew back from reform, because he feared losing noble support at the Congress of Vienna he joined the conservative powers opposing liberal and national impulses.
Nicholas I
Russian Tsar that succeeced Alexander; he strengthened the secret police and the bureaucracy. He was also wiling to use Russian troops to crush revolutions, as he greatly feared them.
Alexander II
A Russian Tsar who implemented rapid social change and general modernization of Russia, including emancipating the serfs. [Show Less]