AP Euro timeline

1492-1999

1492

Columbus arrives in the New World. This marks a significant moment in European exploration and the beginning of extensive interaction between Europe and the Americas.

1517

The Protestant Reformation begins. Martin Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church triggers a religious and political upheaval in Europe.

1555

The Peace of Augsburg is established. This agreement attempts to resolve religious conflicts in the Holy Roman Empire by allowing rulers to choose either Catholicism or Lutheranism as the religion of their states. Cuius regio, eius religio (Whose realm, his religion).

1588

The Spanish Armada is defeated. This marks a turning point in European power dynamics, signaling the decline of Spanish dominance and the rise of England as a major naval power.

1598

The Edict of Nantes is issued. This grants religious toleration to Huguenots (French Protestants) in France, ending the French Wars of Religion.

1600

The Dutch East India Company is founded. This represents the growth of European commercial empires and global trade networks.

1618

The Defenestration of Prague occurs. This event sparks the Thirty Years' War, a major conflict involving most of Europe.

1643-1715

Louis XIV reigns in France. This period is characterized by absolutism, centralized power, and the grandeur of the French court at Versailles.

1648

The Treaty of Westphalia is signed. This ends the Thirty Years' War and reshapes the political map of Europe, establishing the principle of state sovereignty.

1651

Hobbes' Leviathan is published. This work defends the idea of a social contract and absolute sovereignty as necessary for maintaining order.

1687

Newton publishes Principia Mathematica. This presents his laws of motion and universal gravitation, revolutionizing science.

1688

The Glorious Revolution takes place. This leads to the deposition of James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England.

1689

The English Bill of Rights is established, guaranteeing certain rights and liberties to English citizens.

1689

Locke publishes Two Treatises on Government. This argues for natural rights, limited government, and the right to revolution.

1763

The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years' War. This results in significant territorial changes and shifts in colonial power, particularly between Britain and France.

1776

The American Revolutionary War begins. This marks the start of the American colonies' fight for independence from British rule

1776

Adam Smith publishes Wealth of Nations. This advocates for free markets and capitalism, influencing economic policy.

1789-1799

The French Revolution occurs. This leads to radical social and political change in France, impacting Europe.

1799

Napoleon comes to power. This marks the beginning of the Napoleonic era, characterized by French expansion and military campaigns across Europe.

1815

The Congress of Vienna / Age of Metternich begins. This aims to restore the balance of power in Europe after Napoleon's defeat and suppress revolutionary movements.

1830

Revolutions occur in France, Belgium, & Greece. These reflect rising nationalism and liberalism.

1848

Liberal Revolutions spread across Europe. These revolutions advocate for constitutionalism, democracy, and national unification, but ultimately fail in many areas.

1848

Marx & Engels publish Communist Manifesto. This outlines the principles of communism and advocates for a classless society.

1861

The Unification of Italy occurs. This results in the creation of a unified Italian state.

1861

The Emancipation of Serfs in Russia takes place. This abolishes serfdom in Russia.

1871

The Unification of Germany occurs. This leads to the creation of a unified German Empire.

1884

The Berlin Conference (Scramble for Africa) is held. This regulates European colonization and trade in Africa.

1900

Freud publishes Interpretation of Dreams. This groundbreaking work introduces psychoanalysis and explores the unconscious mind.

1905

The Russian Revolution occurs. This leads to political and social unrest in Russia.

1914-1918

World War I takes place. This global conflict involves major European powers.

1917

The Russian Revolution occurs. This results in the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of a communist state.

1918

The Treaty of Versailles ends WWI. This imposes harsh terms on Germany.

1929

The Stock market crashes, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.

1939-1945

World War II in Europe occurs. This devastating conflict engulfs Europe.

1945

The UN is established. This promotes international cooperation and prevent future wars.

1949

NATO is formed. This military alliance is created to counter Soviet expansion.

1957

Sputnik is launched. This marks the beginning of the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States.

1961

The Berlin Wall is built. This symbolizes the division of Germany and Europe during the Cold War.

1962

The Second Vatican Council is held. This leads to reforms in the Catholic Church.

1968

The Prague Spring occurs. This is a period of liberalization in Czechoslovakia, which is suppressed by the Soviet Union.

1989

The Collapse of the Berlin Wall takes place. This symbolizes the end of the Cold War.

1991

The Breakup of the Soviet Union occurs. This leads to the end of the Cold War.

1992

The Maastricht Treaty creates the European Union. This aims to promote economic and political integration among European countries.

1999

The European currency (the Euro) is introduced.