European Politics

Early Muslim Conquests

622

Following the conquest of Mecca by the inhabitants of Medina, Muhammad became more widely recognized as a legitimate prophet of Allah. His army conquered land across Northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe encouraged by the words of the Koran. Subsequently, an extensive cultural exchange took place with the Arabs incorporating the knowledge of conquered lands to advance technology, science, and culture.

Rule of Charlemagne

768

Charlemagne conquered much of Western Europe with the goal of uniting the various Germanic tribes and converting them to Christianity. He was successful in building strong, respected empire as well as unifying much of western and central Europe. The pope proclaimed Charlemagne the new Roman Emperor in 800, instating him as the first German emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Investiture Controversy

962

The pope crowned Otto the Great as Holy Roman emperor, and so he also became the protector of Christendom as well as an important political figure. Great controversy stirred between the pope and German kings as land was bestowed on priests. In 1073, Pope Gregory excommunicated King Henry IV over this growing conflict until Henry personally appealed to him in order to ease tensions. This controversy marks a significant conflict between secular and religious powers in Europe.

Crusades

1096

An army led by the French knight Godfrey of Bouillon set out along the Danube through Constantinople and the Asia Minor towards Palestine. In the name of protecting Christendom, they aimed to liberate land they viewed as taken by the Arab. A very brutal and violent conflict, the Crusades mark the last significant presence of Europeans in the Holy Land. Cultural exchange occurred nonetheless with many classic works as well as architecture brought back to Europe.

Reign of the Mongol Empire

1241

The Mongols' extensive empire seized, burned, and pillaged land from Asia to the German frontier town of Breslau by 1241. Before the empire gradually dissolved, it allowed the spread of the Bubonic plague and induced a lot of disorder throughout Europe. Furthermore, it allowed for increased wealth, cultural exchange, knowledge, and scientific advancements by improving conditions of the Silk Road trade from Asia to Europe.

Death of Frederick Hohenstaufens

1250

Hohenstaufen's death led to disorder and confusion in Germany. Rudolf was elected king of the Germans by princes hoping he would be obedient, gullible, and weak; this was not the case, as he ended up conquering part of Bohemia and making the Habsburg family one of the most influential and wealthy of Europe. Still, the Age of Chivalry had ended with Hohenstaufen.

Hundred Years War

1337

When no heir was born to inherit the French throne, the kings of England believed themselves of the right to claim it as relatives and vassals of the French kings. Over the span of more than a century, the forces of England and France fought over the leadership of France. The war ended as England's last attempt of having a physical presence in Western Europe while France became more unified.

Christopher Columbus

1492

Funded by Spanish royalty in search of a route across the sea rather than around Africa in order to engage in Indian Ocean trade, Christopher Columbus set out across the Atlantic Ocean. He ended up in the Bahamas, mistaking it for India at first, and introducing the Americas to Europe. Columbus's "discovery" initiated the Age of Exploration during which European powers sought land, natural resources, and to spread Christianity in the New World.

Protestant Reformation

1517

Martin Luther wrote the Ninety-Five Theses to denounce the immoral practice of selling indulgences and promote the concept that it is by one's own faith rather than one's money or efforts that makes someone a good Christian. Luther's words were spread with the newly invented printing press. He inspired the Protestant Reformation that caused turmoil and split authority across Europe.

English Reformation

1534

In order to divorce multiple wives, King Henry VIII renounced the Roman Catholic Church's influence during the Protestant Reformation. England built up its navy after severing from European powers, and ultimately the English Reformation increased the country's presence in global trade.