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1440
Johannes Gutenberg Invented the Printing Press
Not satisfied with the existing slow methods of printing text, Gutenberg invented his own printing press, using metal type. This allowed books to be mass produced and accessible to a larger spread of the population. As a result people became more open to new ideas, and to having a greater appreciation for the individual; which led society into entering the Renaissance Era. -
1440
Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press
Not satisfied with the existing methods of printing text, Gutenberg created his own printing press using metal type. This allowed books to be mass produced, and easily accessible to a greater spread of the population. Through this, people became more open to new ideas and the value of individuality which led to society entering the Renaissance Era. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Lands in the New World
Searching for an alternate route to the East Indies, Columbus unknowingly came upon the New World. Believing he had reached India, he claimed the land for Spain, returning with a selection of the lands resources, including some of the "Indians" as slaves. This discovery was part of the beginning of exploration in the New World, and began the unfair mistreatment and destruction of Native American culture. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Lands in the New World
After a long voyage searching for an alternate route to the East Indies, Columbus unknowingly came upon the New World. Thinking he had reached India, he claimed the land for Spain, returning with some of the land's resources as proof. This discovery revealed that the world was much bigger than previously thought, leading to further voyages and exploration. It also began the long mistreatment of Native Americans and the destruction of their culture. -
Oct 31, 1517
Martin Luther hangs the 95 Theses on the Door of Church
Disagreeing with the immoral practices of the Catholic Church, Luther publicly announced his disapproval by posting the 95 Theses, officially starting the Protestant Reformation. He was later put on trial and excommunicated from the Catholic Church, but his ideas remained, forming the basis of the Lutheran doctrine. His
original division from the Catholic church, formed the Protestant branch of Christianity, and can still be seen today. -
Oct 31, 1517
Martin Luther hangs the 95 Theses on the Church Door
Disagreeing with the immoral practices of the Catholic Church, Luther publicly announced his disapproval by posting the 95 Theses, which marked the start of the Protestant Reformation. Although he was excommunicated from the church, his ideas didn't fade, forming the basis of the Lutheran Doctrine. His initial separation from the Catholic church created the branch of Christianity known as Protestantism today. -
First Slave ship arrives in Jamestown
A dutch ship was the first reported to have brought slaves to the New World as a part of the Transatlantic slave trade. Over 12 million Africans were shipped during this time, with about 400,000 sent to America. The Transatlantic slave trade displaced many Africans from their homes, starting the industry of slavery in many countries. It also contributed to an eventual increase in ethnic diversity in different in places like America. -
The American Revolution begins
The Battle of Lexington and Concord started the beginning of the American Revolution after British soldiers attempted to seize an arms supply. The militiamen were successful in driving the British off however, starting America's war for independence. Germany and France were later to be involved making it more of an international affair, and many countries would be inspired by America's fight for independence and would work towards freedom themselves. -
Eli Whitney applies for patent on Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, an improved way of allowing people to harvest crops, saving both time and money. This was just one of the many inventions during the Industrial Revolution, improving how people did things and how much of an item could be produced. Through inventions like these, societies were able to experience major technological advances and bettered the lives of many with better income and jobs. -
The Berlin Conference First Opened
In 1884, Germany called together representatives of the different European powers to divide up Africa for colonization. The plan was to decrease conflict, but they didn't consider the African people. European culture was forced unwilling upon them, and tribes were divided in ways that caused more harm than good. Many of the problems caused by the Berlin conference are still present today as a struggle in African society. -
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assasinated
While in Bosnia, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot by a Serbian nationalist after narrowly escaping another attempt earlier that day. Blaming Serbia for the attack, Austria-Hungary eagerly declares war. Soon afterwards the numerous alliances across the country and world caused many countries to become quickly involved, thus marking the beginning of World War I. -
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated
While in Bosnia, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot by a Serbian nationalist, after just narrowly avoiding an earlier attempt while under inadequate security. Blaming Serbia for the attack, Austria-Hungry declared war. Soon afterwards, due to alliances, many countries across Europe and the world joined sides, thus starting The Great War. -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the Allies, in Paris, officially ending World War I. Britain, France, and America met to agree upon how the Axis Powers should be punished for the war. Germany was stripped of many of its rights and reduced to a mere portion of what it was, causing its economy to collapse. What was intended to prevent an uprising, may have done the opposite as it caused Germany to be bitter and harbor such feelings until World War II. -
Hitler is Appointed Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany after giving promises to undo Germany's current economic depression and reverse the form of government. Once in office, Hitler quickly transformed Germany into a Nazi country, set on eliminating any opposition he might encounter. Eventually, it would be his radical ideas and orders which would lead to WW2. -
Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany after giving promises to both reverse the form of government and the countries economic depression. Once in office, Hitler quickly transformed Germany into a Nazi country, set on destroying any opposition that might stand in his way. Eventually, it would be his radical ideas and orders that would lead to the costly WW2.