European History – An Introduction to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Modern Era
From the ancient Greeks’ love of experimentation to the modern era’s embrace of reason, European history is a rich tapestry of exploration, conflict, and transformation. See how this continent’s dynamic evolution has shaped global politics, religion, and culture.
1300 – The medieval period ebbed and flowed as different kingdoms emerged in Europe. Charlemagne built a great empire, but his realm soon began to fragment. Europeans explored more of the world than ever before and fought many religious wars.
During this time, a hysterical fear of witches gripped a significant segment of the population. Scientific advances included the printing press and the Gregorian calendar. The European Age of Discovery saw Europeans explore the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
1500 – The Reformation brought new differences between Christians. Martin Luther nailed 95 statements to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, which launched a movement that broke away from Catholic Church practices. Mutual hostility between Protestants and Catholics caused a series of religious wars that tore Europe apart.
Europe’s political landscape changed dramatically over the course of the 19th century. A growing middle class challenged the traditional roles of peasant and nobility. Nationalism emerged, with movements in Italy, Germany, and elsewhere seeking independence from large empires. A series of revolutions in Europe, called the Spring of Nations, sought to bring about political change.
This era was marked by economic and technological change, particularly the Industrial Revolution. Europeans became much wealthier and more powerful than they had been in previous centuries, which gave them the opportunity to engage in new activities.
In addition, the spread of Christianity, and later Islam, gave rise to a variety of cultural traditions. These changes helped shape Western societies and how they interact with the rest of the world.
Europe’s role in the world changed after World War II, when the world realigned between Capitalism and Communism. The United States and the Soviet Union vied for influence in Europe, while the United Kingdom and France formed a partnership known as NATO. Today, the European Union is a powerful force in international affairs. The EU is home to a diverse population of more than 500 million people and offers opportunities for economic growth, international cooperation, and freedom from military and political entanglements.