10 Significant Political Developments from 600 to 1550 that contributed to European History

The Battle of Tours

Oct 10, 732

The Battle of Tours was a battle between the Franks, under the leadership of Charles "The Hammer" Martel, and the Umayyad Caliphate in modern-day Spain. After winning the battle against the Islamic caliphate, the Franks were able to push the Muslims from further invasion of Europe and was able to preserve Christianity in Europe

The Crowning of Charlemagne (The "founding" of the Holy Roman Empire)

Dec 25, 800

On December 25, 800, Charlemagne was crowned by Pope Leo III, making him the Holy Roman Emperor. Upon his coronation, the first, and closest attempt at recreating the Roman Empire is made. Yet, upon his death in 14 years later, the empire is split into three, creating the kingdoms of Italy, France, and Germany.

Norman Conquest of England (The Battle of Hastings)

1066

In 1066, William the Conqueror sought to take over England from Harold II and with his victory in the Battle of Hastings, he established control of the England under the Normans. His conquest of England resulted in the creation of the English monarchy that is still around today.

The First Crusade

1095

The First Crusade, called upon by Pope Urban II in 1095, was the first crusade of seven for the Christians to take back Jerusalem from the Seljuk Turks. After winning the first crusade, "crusader states" are created in Jerusalem and an ongoing conflict between the Christians and Muslims over who should control the holy land ensues for the next 200 years.

The Foundations of Italian City-States

1200

As feudalism continued to decline in Europe, more centralized systems of government were being created. In Italy, Italian city-states, such as Venice, were being created and would set the stage for the Renaissance and open trade with Asia in later periods.

Signing of the Magna Carta

1215

The Magna Carta, signed by King John of England, sought to create a parliamentary style of government where the king wouldn't have full power. As a result to the document being put into action, England's system of government is changed and the people of England begin to have more rights.

The Hundred Years War

1337

The Hundred Years War was a series of battles and conflicts between England and France over the span of a hundred years. After France wins, France is ultimately transformed to a centralized state and marks an end to feudalism in most of Europe.

The End of the Reconquista

1492

Beginning in 711 and ending in 1492, the Reconquista marked a period in Spain's history where the Europeans sought to reclaim Spain from the Muslims and in 1492, with the surrender of Granada, the Muslims were out of Europe for the first time in over 700 years.

Christopher Columbus's Journey West

1492

Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain sponsor Christopher Columbus on a trip to sail westward to reach the east to trade for expensive spices. However, his trip resulted in the "discovery" of America in which Europe would soon colonize.

Henry VIII creates the Anglican Church

1533

Upon King Henry VIII's inability to procreate a son with his wife, he wishes to divorce her. However, being that it is illegal in the Catholic faith to divorce, Henry withdraws England from Catholicism and creates his own church, the Anglican church, a sect of Protestantism. This marks a turning point in which for the first time, a nation in Europe embraces Protestantism, which would pave the way for countless other nations to embrace Protestantism.