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Founding of St. Petersburg
Peter the Great of Russia began his assent to dominance as a western European power in part with the founding of St. Petersburg. By building closer to the sea, Peter the Great was able to increase trade in Russia. The founding of St. Petersburg also allowed for Peter to keep an eye on eastern Europe. When he built St. Petersburg closer to Sweden and desired to conquer more land from them, it led to war. -
Great Britain is Formed
Scotland and England formed a treaty called the Treaty of Union. This treaty resulted in the formation of Great Britain. Scotland still retained some independence after the treaty was signed, but some Scots still opposed the Union. Scotland had lost its parliament in the treaty, but regained it in 1997. -
Death of Louis XIV
Louis XIV had built France into the most powerful country in Europe. After his mysterious death from gangrene, his legacy was short lived. France was soon brought into turmoil and lost its prominence as a major European power. However, Louis XIV did effect other monarchs, encouraging them to rule as grand and as strictly as he did. -
Great Plague of Marseille
The Great Plague of Marseille was the last large outbreak of the Bubonic Plague in Europe. The Bubonic Plague had previously devastated Europe two times. Unlike the previous times, however, the economy quickly bounced back after the outbreak. This was due to an increase in trade with the West Indies and Latin America. -
Third Edition of Principia Published
Isaac Newton's ideas and observations were fundamental in the improvement of science in the Scientific Revolution. He introduced the three laws of motion and improvements in optics. By doing this he did not just improve science in Europe during his time, but he inspired future scientists with his work. Had he not made his discoveries about gravity, other scientists observations would not have been credited. -
War of Austrian Succession Begins (picture)
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War of Austrian Succession
The War of Austrian Succession was ended by the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. While the countries that succeeded in the war grew prosperous, Austria and the Netherlands suffered greatly. The most important of these was the end of the Habsburg Dynasty. The Habsburg Dynasty was greatly weakened by the defeat because of the substantial amount of land both countries lost. -
Seven Years War Begins (Picture)
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Seven Years War
The Seven Years War ended in a victory for England, but the economic losses of the war ended up costing them more than they bargained for. To pay for the debt the war had accrued, England began taxing its people, especially its colonists. Because of this taxation, the colonists grew angry at England and began the American Revolution. However, England was able to gain more land in America as a result of the Treaty of Paris. -
The Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations was published by Adam Smith and first introduced the idea of the "invisible hand". This book changed how people looked at economy in Europe and around the world. Smith stated that he believed selfish economic practices were more profitable to communities than selfless ones. This promoted free trade and competition. -
End of the Revolutionary War
After the colonists and France beat England in the Revolutionary War, England lost some of its authority and status as an unbeatable superpower. They were put into debt from war spendings. They also reformed their government, making constitutional changes. In the Americas they continued to expand through Canada and the Caribbean. -
French Revolution Begins (Picture)
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French Revolution
The French Revolution caused France to descend in to anarchy as a result of bad leadership after the Revolution. The ideas of the Enlightenment were part of what brought France to revolution. France's Revolution was so anarchic and brutal, other countries viewed them as uncivilized compared to the American revolutionists. The Revolution did end up putting Napoleon into a position of power with the army, eventually making France a dominant political power in Europe again.
