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A writing by Nicolaus Copernicus that posited the sun as the center and earth rotates around it yearly, and that earth spins on its axis daily. -
During his rule of Russia Ivan greatly expanded its border taking much of what is modern Russia and started the century long expansion into Siberia. The terrible part of his name comes from his violent outbursts and worsening mental state.
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Frederick Wilhelm was the Duke of Prussia and the electorate of Brandenburg. A staunch Calvinist he focused heavily on the economic success of Prussia as well as its military might.
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Holy Roman Emperor Leopold the first ruled over the Holy Roman Empire, Hungary, Bohemia, and Croatia. He was the second son of Ferdinand the third. He was well known as a composer of music and a patron of the fine arts.
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Charles the second was the last Hapsburg ruler of Spain. From his very first day his successor were waiting on his death.
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After being besieged by the Ottoman empire for two months, the Holy Roman Empire came to fight the Ottomans back. This battle marks the turning point in the Ottoman conquering of Europe as after this point no further land would be taken by the Ottomans. -
A nearly bloodless revolution that saw the exile of king James the second and the ascension of William and Mary. It also is seen as a key influence on the constitution and on the parliamentary system. -
Fought from 1701 to 1715 between the Spanish heirs and their respective backers such as France, Austria, Spain, etc. Philip was crowned king in the end in exchange for renouncing his or his heirs own right to the French throne. -
The miserly ruler of Prussia and Brandenburg he ignored the arts and focused entirely on the military. He increased the size of the army significantly while also strengthening it with strict rules and code every soldier had to follow. His army was never used during his reign.
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Fought from 1740-1748 primarily in Austrian Netherlands, Italy, and the Mediterranean sea. The war started after France, Prussia, and Bavaria saw the succession of Maria Theresa as a chance to challenge Hapsburg power while Britain, the Dutch republic, and Hanover sided with Maria Theresa. Later the conflict involved Russia, Spain, and Sweden. The war ended with Maria Theresa's right to the throne being validated while France saw very heavy economic losses, and Spain lost Gibraltar and Menorca. -
King of Prussia, his rule was marked smart strategic rule rather than a cruel one. Upon ascension to the throne he immediately waged war and annexed the Austrian province of Silesia. He favored theory and strategy to war and would often follow his troops into battle leading the front of the charge.
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Fought from 1756- 1763 between alliances led by Britain and France both seeking global dominance at the expense of each other. The war primarily focused on North America, Europe, and the Asian-Pacific. The war ended in Britain's favor with much of French North America, Spanish Florida, and control over trading outposts in the Indian subcontinent.