-
May 23, 1618 to May 15, 1648 The Thirty Years' War was one of the bloodiest wars in history, taking the lives of more than 8 million people. What started as a religious conflict quickly grew into a territorial dispute among the various Protestant and Catholic states of the Roman Empire. After three decades of fighting, the war was ended with the Peace of Westphalia. This war is important because it showcased how far people are willing to go for their freedom. -
The English Bill of Rights was an agreement between the monarchy and Parliament that limited the monarchy's power while giving more rights to Parliament and the people. It was signed on February thirteenth of 1689 and was a major turning point for how the government operated. Earlier, the Glorious Revolution took place, which ended with James ll getting exiled and a joint monarchy being formed by Mary and William of Orange. This Bill of Rights served as inspiration for later U.S. documents. -
December 16, 1740 to October 18, 1748 War of the Austrian Succession actually consisted of several wars. After rising to the throne on May 31, 1740, Frederick ll launched an attack in December. The main reasons why Frederic was successful in capturing and holding Silesia of Austria are because the attack was unexpected and the Prussian army was well trained by his father. As a result of this conflict, Frederick the Great gained a title and the power to majorly reform the entirety of Prussia. -
The Stamp Act was an attempt by the British Empire to raise money from its colonies because of the immense amount of debt it accumulated from the Seven Years' War. The colonists argued that the act was unfair and that only their own representatives could tax them. After colonists rioting and ransacking stamp distributors' homes, the act was repealed in 1766. Although Parliament did not cease to believe in its taxing authority, the colonists had strengthened their hopes for independence. -
April 19, 1775 to September 3, 1783 The American Revolution was a result of the tensions between Great Britain and its 13 colonies in North America. Years of brewing conflict finally spilled over into battle, and France joining the colonists in 1778 eventually made it an international issue. After fighting numerous battles on multiple fronts, Americans won their independence in 1781, with peace negotiations beginning the following year. US went on to become one of the most influential countries -
The Treaty of Paris was the official closure to the American Revolution. Although it was signed in September of 1783, it wasn't approved by the Continental Congress until January 14, 1784, and negotiations have started as early as 1782. The treaty signaled a new era for the United States, which has largely expanded their territory. Finally having finished the war for its independence, the fresh country still had lots of changes to undergo before it could truly thrive. -
May 5, 1789 to November 9, 1799 The French Revolution was an uprising that led to the total uprooting of the formerly instilled system of government. The turmoil started with King Louis XVI being incapable to manage the terrible financial situation caused by his grandfather. History.com says it best, "Although it failed to achieve all of its goals and at times degenerated into a chaotic bloodbath, [it] played a critical role... by showing the world the power inherent in the will of the people." -
The Tennis Court Oath was taken on June 20, 1789, in the indoor court named Jeu de Paume. The Third Estate gathered, despite King Luis XVI's disapproval, and pledged not to disband until they manage to force a new constitution on him. More than 50 nobles and deputies joined them in the next week. This event was important because it unified the French people against a common enemy. It also quickly paved way for a revolution, which was inevitable at this point. -
After the Tennis Court Oath, progress towards a revolution sped up, and the fortress of Bastille became the primary target because it was the symbol of tyranny among French people. Afraid of an uprising, its military governor received extra weaponry in the form of 250 barrels of gunpowder. Just two days after locking himself and his men in the fortress, an angry armed mob surrounded it and eventually succeeded in capturing and killing the governor. This event provided momentum to the revolution.
-
September 5, 1793 to July 28, 1794 The Reign of Terror was a ten month long murder spree where anyone who was even merely suspected to be a detriment to the resistance was swiftly guillotined. This period was an important after-math of the revolution as the people adjusted to the sudden changes. And after the bloodbath of the Reign of Terror, the Thermidorian Reaction followed suit as a peacetime to calm down from all the bloodshed and protest against the brutality of the Reign of Terror.
