-
1241
The Arrival of Gunpowder
"The Battle of Mohi", unknown author, circa 1260s. The Battle of Mohi marked the arrival of gunpowder to Europe, indicating the existence trade routes during this time period, which would become vital as time went on. The battle also indicates Europe's position as a backwater: the Hungarians lost the battle of Mohi to the Mongols, and much of Eastern Europe was subject to their authority for centuries. Although it did not show at the time, gunpowder would be pivotal in changing this. -
1521
The Invention of the Musket
Jacob de Gheyn, "Drill zur Waffenhandhabung bei Musketieren" (Weapon handling drill for musketeers), 1664. The picture show the arquebus, a heavy gun which preceded and was eventually replaced by the musket. By the time of the Thirty Years' War, the musket had become the optimal weapon, due to the ease with which is could be carrier compared to the arquebus. These constant updates to weaponry would be pivotal in the devastating wars that were to come. -
Official Use of the Guillotine by France
Unknown author, "The execution of Robespierre and his supporters on 28 July 1794," 1794. The adaptation of the guillotine by France was meant to create an equality between all class, and it succeeded. Both Louis XVI and the revolutionary Robespierre (pictured below with his supporters) met their ends at its blade, demonstrating the most extreme form of "liberté, égalité, fraternité." -
The Invention of the Rifle
James H. Burton, "Minié Ball Design", Smithsonian Museum, 1855. The invention of the Minié ball would solve many of the issues inherent to muskets at the time, making it more accurate and improving its range. From then on, the rifle would be used in all types of European conflict, from inter-Continental wars such as the Franco-Prussian War, to colonial ones such as the Boers Wars, all the way up until World War 1 and World War 2. -
Invention of the Nuclear Bomb
Left: George Caron, "Atomic Cloud over Hiroshima," 1945. Right: Charles Levy, "Nagasaki Bomb," 1945. The invention and usage of the nuclear bomb by the Americans marked the end of an era for European predominance. This theme war further emphasized by the fact that it was not a European power, but rather the Soviet Union, who obtained nuclear weapons next. The acquisition of nuclear weapons by these two nations foreshadowed the Cold War, and the end of European predominance.