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 city-states, which developed their own forms of government. Athens (democracy) and Sparta (military oligarchy) were two of the most famous city-states. 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.