European History 600-1550

Battle of Tours

Oct 11, 732

Fought in western France, the Battle of Tours had Charles Martel of the growing Frankish Kingdom face off against the Umayyad Caliphate. The battle decided both the kingdom, the Franks, and the religion of Western Europe as Christianity prevailed. Economically, it ensured serfdom in Europe as the thriving Islamic Empires were not able to spread their influence. With Martel remaining in power the Franks or the Holy Roman Empire grew towards its peak as Charlemagne would soon come to power.

Charlemagne Becomes King of Holy Roman Empire

Dec 25, 800

With Charlemagne leading a revival in learning in the Frankish Kingdom the pope crowned him in Rome. This made Charlemagne the first German Holy Roman Empire and gave him control over the lands of modern day France, Spain and Germany. This period of unification is what many after him tried for , causing much of the fighting in Europe for the next 500 years. However, the main significance of his expansive power was the increased level of education especially literacy rates throughout Europe.

Charlemagne's Death Causes Empire To Split Into Three

Jan 28, 814

When Charlemagne died in 1814 the "dark" period in Europe resumed. His empire was split among his grandsons. The Kingdom of Charles was established in France, the Kingdom of Lothair in Italy, and the Kingdom of Louis in Spain. The three fought while Germany was left until Henry, The Duke of Saxony, and then Otto The Great gained control. The split of the empire caused political and economic conflict between the kingdoms and laid the groundwork for the modern nation-states and powerful kings.

Hugh Capet Becomes French King

Jul 3, 987

Hugh Capet was the first non Carolingian ruler of France. He kept the feudal system, and was able to keep France together fighting off Otto III. He feuded with the papacy causing religion and politics to separate further. His rule marked the start of the modern France as he moved his court to Paris, and changed France politically establishing the Capetian dynasty whilst creating a policy of naming heirs during the ruler's life. Capet's rule led to other lands forming centralized governments.

Battle of Hastings

Oct 14, 1066

In 1066 Nordic Seafarers under William The Conquerer crossed the English Channel and defeated the English. The battle crowned William and began a long line of powerful rulers including Richard The Lionheart. It also gave birth to the english language as French and Anglo-Saxan mixed. Politically, the battle was the last time England was conquered and allowed a strong, stable government to be set up and directly led to the Magna Carta in 1215 along with a nation ready to be tested in the Crusades.

First Crusade

Aug 15, 1096

Godfrey of Bullion led a group of mainly Frankish fighters to aid the Byzantine Empire in defending and recapturing the holy land of Jerusalem from the Seljuk Turks. The battle not only pitted Islam against Christianity but brought Europe out of the Dark Ages and began to infiltrate European politics with culture, wealth, and military power. The crusade also increased the power of the king as religious leaders were questioned. However, the event's mixed result led to many more crusades.

Third Crusade

Sep 7, 1191

Barbarossa declared himself the King of The Holy Roman Empire however with France and England having strong leadership and not recognizing it he went on a crusade. He was joined by King Phillip and Rich the Lionheart. It regained much land for the European powers, but Saladin was able to retain the holy land for the Turks. The crusade allowed Europeans back into many Middle Eastern lands and spurred trade between empires giving political power to the Turks and boosting all of Europe's economy.

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

With the rise of the nation-state after the crusades King John had power in England. However, he was far more of an absolute ruler than Richard the Lionheart had been. This prompted the barons to protect their right including limiting feudal payments to the crown, the ending of restrictions on the church, and assembling a council of barrons. The Magna Carta was successful in decreasing the power of the King, but gave the Pope a lot in return shaking the political balance in Europe.

Hundred Years War

Period: May 24, 1337 to Oct 19, 1453

The war was a conflict between the Count of Valois and Edward III over succession to the France Crown. Edward III claimed the crown as both a descendant and due to William's land in Normandy from the battle of Hastings. The war endured through a French Civil War and ended with The War of The Roses in which France chased away England. It resulted in the start of the nation-state as attempts to conquer the continent stopped on the English part, but also spread the culture of both across Europe.

Charles V Ascends To Power Over Spain and Germany Fight Francis I

Jun 28, 1519

With England and France established as independent states, when Maximilian and Isabella left their posts, Spain, Germany and Austria were united under Charles V. However, Francis I of France engaged him in a war for the lands of Italy. Militarily, it led to the first modern European military, The Tercios, and politically the conflict resulted in the Austrian Empire and the Spanish Empire splitting but remaining powerful allies with the continent never successfully being unified.