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Seven Years War
A worldwide war fought until 1763 by the two coalitions of Great Britain, Portugal and Prussia, and France, Spain, Austria, Russia, and Sweden respectfully. The war caused huge loss of life and resulted in very little change of the political landscape in Europe, however Great Britain gained much land and influence in both North America and India. This war signalled the rise of the British Empire, and demonstrated the imperialistic attitudes of the major powers of the time. -
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American Revolutionary War
The colonists of the Thirteen Colonies, tired of British rule, rebelled in 1775 and eventually defeated the British by September 3, 1783. The colonists were fed up with what they saw as unfair subjugation by the British, and with aid from the French and Spanish, were able to forge the independent United States of America. This war fueled rivalries within Europe and also contributed to the French Revolution, due to their involvement requring an increase in taxes upon the French lower class. -
Invention of the Watt Steam Engine
In 1774, after 12 years of planning and designing, James Watt perfected his improvement on the Newcomen Steam Engine, which produced more power from the engine at a lower cost. This allowed mass production of many goods on an industrial scale, which was one of the contributing factors to the modern factory and the Industrial Revolution itself. It forced the migration of craftsmen to the city, and advanced technology greatly, sparking a technological race between competing powers. -
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French Revolution
Overthrow of the ruling elite (the Ancien Régime) by the lower class during a 10 year period, in which France transformed from an absolute monarchy into a republic. Due to crushing taxes and widespread poverty within the working class, and the apparent incompetence of King Louis XVI, the poor rose up and attacked the landed class, resulting in the execution of many of the nobility. This revolution created nationalism within the French, and hampered diplomatic relations with other countries. -
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Napoleonic Wars
A series of wars between an expansionist French Empire, headed by Napoleon Bonaparte, and her vassals against a coalition of European powers. After much success, the French were eventually defeated by the Sixth Coalition and again by the Seventh at the Battle of Waterloo. The war resulted in hightened milistaristic attitudes within nations and the emergence of the British Empire as the most powerful state in the world (this period is known as "Pax Britannica"). -
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Franco-Prussian War
A violent war between France and the North German Confederation, aided by southern German states. It was an overwhelming victory for the Prussians, with territorial and financial gains being made by the victors. The war signalled the unification of Germany and the rise in nationalism within the new country. It also fostered hatred between France and Germany, eventual enemies in WWI, and caused militarism within nations in Europe, who were anxious not to be caught under-defended. -
Unification of Italy
The creation of a single Italian state, formed from the many preceeding city states in the country. The unification was complete with the capture of Rome from the Papal States and signalled a new era of nationalism within the country. Its desire to expand also increased tension within Europe due to the other nations' likewise imperiaalistic attitudes. -
Unification of Germany
During the success of the Franco-Prussian War, due to the apparent cooperation of the German states, the constitution of the German Empire was signed. This signalled the official unification of Germany under one empire. Due to its late creation, Germany was eager to expand colonially and compete militarily with other nations in Europe, causing a rise in imperialism and militarism. -
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Berlin Conference
A number of diplomatic meetings held between mainly the countries of Europe to divide the continent of Africa peacefully. To avoid war, many compromises had to be made, while the opinions of he native Africans were ignored entirely. The conference demonstrated rampant imperialism within Europe and the mistrust shared between them. -
Coronation of Wilhelm II of Germany
The reign of German Emperor Wilhelm II is considered to be one of the primary reasons as to why Germany became diplomatically isolated at the beginning of the 20th century. This forced it to grow closer to its allies, while the Kaiser's blatant militarism and imperialistic ideals did nothing to lessen tensions between himself and the leaders of other nations. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The next in line to the Austro-Hungarian Empire's throne, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated by Serbian-Bosnian nationalists (this group known as The Black Hand Gang) who desired the seperation of Bosnia from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This resulted in Austria-Hungary demanding an apology from Serbia, who were supposedly responsible for the killing. When no apology was given, the Austro-Hunagray declared war on Serbia - the first action of WWI. -
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World War I
A war that involved all of the world's great powers, with Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Germany forming the Triple Alliance, which fought Russia, Great Britain, and France making up the Triple Entente. The cause of the war is considered to include imperialism, militarism, nationalism and the systems of allianes in Europe at the time. Although the Triple Entente was victorious, the sanctions imposed on Germany in particular was one of the defining factors in the start of WWII. -
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Russian Revolution
A collection of revolutions that occurred within the Russian Empire that caused the overthrow of the old absolutist monarchy, which was replaced by the Soviet Union, a communist autocracy. The constant disregard for the lower class' welfare and the incompetence of the government during WWI caused uprisings within the populace, such s the October Revolution, which ended the Tsar's rule. This change quickly ended the World War on the Eastern Front, and also shaped Europe over the 20th century.
