Evolution of a Union (Daniel Jordan, Camille Labat, Michelle Lin, Rory Mallette)
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Period: to
Evolution of a Union: How the EU developed through a convergence of cultures
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Signature of the treaty of Munster- Peace of Westphalia
This engraving by a Dutch graver Jonas Suyderhoff shows the Kingdom of France and the Holy Empire sihgning the Treaty of Munster in octobre 1648. They put an end to the 30 years War. This event is a turning point in the history of Europe, it is the birth of modern Europe, where States show a desire for a lasting peace. -
Paradise Lost
The English poet John Milton published his famous epic poem Paradise Lost in 1667. This poem recounts the Biblical story of Adam and Eve as well as Satan. Moreover, the prominent theme of obeidience and punishment reflects the 17th century society where religious opinions are largely divided. Milton followed the Greek poet Homer's legacy and became the first person who wrote an epic poem in English. -
The Dutch Burn English Ships during the Expedition to Chatham, 20 June 1667 (Raid on the Medway).
This painting shows a Dutch raiding party burning and stealing English ships at Medway during the Anglo-Dutch War. The significance of the Anglo-Dutch War is because it started because of the economic rivalry between the two states as a result of the surge of colonial lism and Mercantilism during the 17th century. It is a great example of the economy creating competition among states to create progress. It is also the beginning of European world dominance -
The Battle of the Boyne
Dutch painter Jan Van Huchtenberg captures the chaos of late-17th century warfare in this image, depicting the pandemonium of the Battle of the Boyne, a skirmish between contenders for the British throne. Van Huchtenberg, Jan. The Battle of the Boyne between James II and William III. 1690. Oil on canvas. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. -
St. Nicolas Church
Built in 1704, St. Nicolas Church in Prague is a symbolic example of Baroque style architecture. It was built by Christoph Dientzenhofer. This form of architecture originated from Italy and eventually spreaded across the rest of Europe as a popular form of religious buildings. -
Enclosure Act in England
An enclosure Act was an Act of the Parliament in the United Kingdom. It enclosed common fields and these would then belong to someone who was free to do whatever he wanted with them. In 1727, landlords claimed their rights to enclose their fields so they could produce more and the Parliament granted them this right. It is the biginning of the agricultural revolution that will lead to the industrial revolution later in the century. -
Sinfonia No.1 Joseph Haydn
Sinfonia No1 is Haydn's first symphony composed when he was serving Count Morzin in Dolni Lukavice. It is the perfect embodiment of the multi-cultural aspect of music in the 18th century. The first movement opens with a Mannheim crescendo while the rest of the symphony was more Austrian in character. Haydn worked in various courts throughout his life. Therefore, many of his musical compositions are influenced by different cultures. -
The Battle of Minden
Superior tactics from the British forces were crucial in their decisive victory over the French at Minden during the Seven Years' War. The Battle of Minden. 1759. Oil on canvas. The British Museum, London, England. -
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith was a a Scottish professor of moral philosophy and is considered to be the father of capitalism. In 1776 he published his book called "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" where he first talked about a free market, reduction of protectionism and an in depth analysis of the invisible hand theory. This is the first introduction to liberal capitalism and the encouragement of economic competition among states. It provided the blueprint of European dominance -
The French Revolution
"The Old Regime and the Revolution" is an essay written by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1856. He tries to understand why the Revolution happened in France and tries then to examine the new society that has been created after. He agrees that a future and a past have been created, but he believes that the new society has kept habits from the Old Regime. However, it shows the influence of the Enlightenment. The Revolution has transformed Europe by providing the 1st modern democratic experience. -
Madame Charles- Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord
This painting reflects the neoclassicism style of fashion during the early 19th century that was popularized by Napoleon. Lighter clothing that are seemingly austere became popular all over Europe as a result of the anti-royal spirit of the revolution. -
The Battle of Waterloo
In the half-century following the Seven Years' War, both the British and French armies had advanced their tactics and technologies to match one another's capabilities on the battlefield, causing the belligerents to resemble one another amidst the combat. Sadler, William, II. The Battle of Waterloo. 1822. Oil on canvas. Pyms Gallery, London, England. -
The Communist Manifesto
Socialism and the Communist Manifesto created a economic divide in a Europe that was generally unified under some form of liberal capitalism i.e. new imperialism. The Manifesto created an alternative to liberal capitalism calling for a dictatorship of the proletariat. This is the first sighting of the economic competition in Europe starting to unravel. It created the cracks for a future divide in Europe that would disrupt the economic unity and European world supremacy -
The Austro-Prussian War
The Dreyse Needle-gun was among the first bolt-action rifles to see heavy use in Europe, equipped by most Prussian soldiers before its popularity exploded. Prussian Soldier with Dreyse Needle-gun. 1866. Web. -
Evening on the Terrace
This painting was done by Jean Joseph Constant in 1879 and it depicts an evening in Morocco. The figures in the painting are indulging in leisurely behavior and are surrounded by beauty scenary and islamic styled architecture. This is a reflection of 19th century colonialist understanding and desire of the Orient. Furthermore, it shows the European domination and admiration for the East. -
Berlin Conference, 1884-1885
This front page of the weekly newspaper "La Caricature" was drawn by Albert Robida, who was the chief editor as well. It was published february the 5th 1887. This caricature denounces what was decided during the Berlin conference in 1884. We can see the African continent-represented by 3 women- being divided between the European powers- here represented by white hands.It shows, with irony and satire, how inhumane the decisions made in the conference were. -
En Chine Le gateau des Rois et…des Empereurs
This is an illustration by Le Petit Journal in France. It's a great depiction of European and Japanese new imperialism, which as Vladmimir Lenin called it, the "highest form of capitalism." In Europe's ascension to world domination this is arguably their highest peak. It is extremely important to note that new imperialism was motivated by the economy because of the Second Industrial Revolution. Its another example of the economy creating competition and progress among states. -
Creation of the organisation of the Black Hand group
This photography was taken by an anonymous person. The Black Hand group was a nationalist secret group founded in Serbia. They were asking for a Serbian State. They are responsible for the assassination of the Austrio-Hungarian Archduke that triggered the first World War. They are an example of what form nationalism took in Europe around this time. -
World War I
Bolt-action rifles were in the hands of most troops on all fronts during the First World War. Meanwhile, motor vehicles and rudimentary tanks replaced horses and old style artillery. Hunter, Thomas. British Soldiers in Motor Lorry Convoy. 1916. Web. -
Lenin speaks to a crowd of soldiers, 1917.
The Russian Revolution signified Europe's divide and its soon coming downfall. No longer was Europe's economy unified; states had to choose between capitalism or communism. Not only creating a divide in the economic unity, the rise of communism opened the doors for other economic systems to be created i.e. fascism. The eventual creation of fascism created a three way economic competition between capitalism, communism and fascism that quickly spun out of control. -
World War II
The mass production and uniformity of warfare by the 20th century becomes clear during the Second World War, as evidenced by this photograph of a tank production plant in Germany. Alkett Production Plant. 1943. Bundesarchiv Picture Database. Web. -
The Great Dictator
This film is a satirical interpretation of Adolf Hitler. It was filmed and directed by Charlie Chaplin in the United States in 1940. As the world went through two major wars, European powers made use of film as wartime propaganda. After the war, Hollywood films became an effective form of escapism and thus began the American infiltration into European culture. -
Lend-Lease Act
The British looked to the US to provide economic aid and eventual military aid during the war. By accepting the Lend-Lease Act the British handed the reigns of supremacy to the US who out produced its allies and the axis powers during the war. The Act entailed that the US could decide on what form of payment it recieved and aid it gave to the British. This was the final economic milestone that brought about the end of European dominance and rise of US dominance. -
Le Triomphe de la Mort, Felix Nussbaum
This oil painting by Felix Nussbaum is the last one of the painter. It shows a ruined society, with rests of modernity and old virtues (sciences, culture, justice...) on the ground. This painting shows what nazisme has done to Europe: it has destroyed her. The title refers to Pieter Brugel's "triomphe de la mort", which also shows the cataclysmic consequences of the 30 years war. This painting embodies the idea that Europe is living in a cycle.
