World History A Project

By Aurelia888
  • 1440

    1440 - Gutenburgs Printing Press

    Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, revolutionizing the production of books and the spread of information. This innovation made books more accessible and affordable, fostering the spread of literacy and new ideas. The printing press played a crucial role in the dissemination of Reformation ideas.
  • 1486

    1486 - "Primavera" by Sandro Botticelli

    Sandro Botticelli painted "Primavera," a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. This work is significant for its use of classical mythology and its representation of the human form, exemplifying the Renaissance ideals of beauty and humanism.
  • 1492

    1492 - Discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus

    Christopher Columbus, sponsored by Spain, reached the Americas. This event marked the beginning of widespread European exploration and colonization, profoundly affecting the indigenous populations and altering global trade and cultural exchanges.
  • Period: 1503 to 1506

    1503 - 1506 - "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo Da Vinci

    Leonardo da Vinci painted the "Mona Lisa," one of the most famous works of art in history. This painting is celebrated for its innovative use of sfumato technique and its enigmatic expression, showcasing the artistic advancements of the Renaissance.
  • 1512

    1512 - Completion of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo

    Michelangelo completed the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. These paintings are renowned for their artistic grandeur and complexity, depicting scenes from the Bible and exemplifying Renaissance artistry and humanism.
  • 1517

    1517 - Martin Luther's 96 Theses

    Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, protesting against the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. This act sparked the Protestant Reformation, challenging the authority of the Pope and leading to significant religious and political changes in Europe.
  • 1521

    1521 - Diet of Worms

    Martin Luther was summoned to the Diet of Worms and asked to recant his teachings. He refused, leading to his excommunication and marking a pivotal moment in the Reformation. This event solidified the split between the Catholic Church and Protestant reformers.
  • 1534

    1534 - Act of Supremacy

    King Henry VIII declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England, breaking away from the authority of the Pope. This event marked the beginning of the English Reformation, leading to significant religious and political transformations in England.
  • 1543

    1543 - Publication of "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres" by Copernicus

    Nicolaus Copernicus published his work proposing the heliocentric model of the universe, which stated that the Earth revolves around the Sun. This groundbreaking theory challenged the geocentric view held by the Church and laid the foundation for modern astronomy.
  • Period: 1545 to 1563

    1545-1563 - Council of Trent

    The Catholic Church held the Council of Trent in response to the Protestant Reformation. This series of meetings aimed to address abuses within the Church and clarify Catholic doctrine. The Council played a key role in the Counter-Reformation, seeking to reform the Church and reaffirm its doctrines.
  • 1555

    1555 - Peace of Augsburg

    The Peace of Augsburg was signed, allowing German princes to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism as the official religion of their territories. This treaty temporarily ended religious conflicts in the Holy Roman Empire and recognized the legitimacy of Protestantism.

  • 1588 - Defeat of the Spanish Armada

    The English navy defeated the Spanish Armada, a fleet sent by Spain to invade England. This event marked a significant shift in naval power and influenced the balance of power in Europe, weakening Spain's dominance and bolstering England's maritime strength.

  • 1599 - Shakespeare's Globe Theater Opens

    William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre opened in London, becoming a hub for English Renaissance drama. Shakespeare's plays, performed here, have had a lasting impact on literature and theater, exemplifying the cultural flourishing of the Renaissance.

  • 1609 - Galileo's Use of the Telescope

    Galileo Galilei improved the telescope and used it to make significant astronomical discoveries, including the moons of Jupiter and the phases of Venus. His observations supported the heliocentric model and advanced the Scientific Revolution.
  • Period: to

    1618-1648 - Thirty Years' War

    The Thirty Years' War was a devastating conflict primarily fought in Central Europe, involving many of the major European powers. It began as a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants but evolved into a political struggle. The war ended with the Peace of Westphalia, which established the concept of state sovereignty and had long-lasting effects on the political landscape of Europe.