Overview From the early 15th century, Medieval Europe began to morph into early modern Europe. In the later Middle Ages trade had expanded, towns had grown in number and size, and a new, more sophisticated society had emerged. In large parts of western Europe feudalism, with its fragmented power-structures, had begun to give way to […]
Industrial Revolution
Modern Europe
Map of Europe in 1960 CE The French Revolution The example of the American Revolution acted as a powerful stimulus to critiques of traditional forms of hereditary monarchical government back in Europe, and, combined with internal problems within France itself, led to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. The revolution challenged the very […]
The United States of America – I
The American Revolution Background The Great War for the Empire, 1754-1763 (otherwise known as the French and Indian War, or in Britain as the Seven Years’ War) eliminated French power from North America and extended British power to all territories east of the Mississippi river. Ironically, the completeness of the British victory set the scene […]
Western Civilization
The modern West is the most extraordinary civilization that has existed in world history (so far). It has risen to become a globe-spanning industrial society espousing democracy and the rule of law.
European World Empires
Contents Introduction Discoveries Conquistadors Colonial Rivalries The Colonization of North America and the Caribbean The Seven Years War The Revolutionary Wars Industrialized Imperialism The Scramble for Africa (and other places) The High Imperial Age The Decline of European Empires Introduction This is an introductory article to an astonishing chapter in world history. It deals with […]