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Crimean War begins
The Crimean War was a conflict between Russia and the Alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. The war was over land disputes that led to the multiple countries against Russia. The Austrian Empire remained neutral but ended up being a key factor in stopping Russia. In the end Russia was defeated by the Alliance. -
Serfs Emancipated in Russia
Tsar Alexander II abolished slavery on this date. Over 23 million people gained their liberty that day. The Serfs were granted full rights of other citizens such as freedom to buy land and marry whoever they wanted. Each Serf was also able to buy land from their landowners. -
World War I begins
This was the first global war but was centered in Europe. It began after the assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The war was between Germnay and Austria against the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, Eventually Germany and Austria were defeated and the war ended. -
Treaty of Versailles
After four years of conflict in World War II the conflict was finally resolved. Germany and the Allies both signed the treaty and Germany was required to pay war fees. Germany was also to take full responsibility for the war. This treaty would also result in many other treaties being made. -
Adolph Hitler comes in to power in Germany
Under the Nazi party, Adolph Hitler was elected Chancellor of Germany. Hitler's very good speaking skills helped to land him this position. Hitler would later become a dictator and kill millions. He would help start WWII and cause the Holocaust. -
World War II begins
Nazi Germany attacked Poland on this date. The Nazi invasion began across Europe and eventually the deaths of millions would be the result. The war would last for six years and eventually the USA would become involved as well. The war also caused the death of Adolph Hitler and the seperation of Germany. -
Cold War begins
The Cold War was between the United States and the USSR after World War II. No battles were actually fought in this war and no killings. It was a battle of nuclear power between the two countries instead. This war would last many years until the fall of the USSR in 1991. -
Treaty of Rome is signed
The treaty was signed by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany. It was made to build a common market of goods, workers, services and capital for these countries. This ended up leading to the founding of European Economic Community. This was made to bring a common ecenomic culture to the countries involved. -
Chernobyl disaster
This was a huge Nuclear explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. Large quantities of radiation was released over the continent and many people died from radiation. It is considered the worst nuclear power plant disaster ever at a level 7 explosion. It will still take thousands of years for the radiation to be removed. -
Berlin Wall dismantled
The Berlin Wall was a border between communist East Berlin and democratic West Berlin. The fall of the Wall began with East Germans trying to escape communist rule, but they were caught and East Germany made trevel to these places illegal. This started a chain of protests that eventually led to the tearing down of the wall. Parts of the Wall have been preserved and can still be visited. -
Fall of the USSR
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a group of communist nations that was mostly recognized as Russia. The day berfore the USSR fell, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev had resigned from office. Later in the day of Gorbachev's resignation the Soviet flag was lowered and the Russian flag took its place. Two weeks later the other Soviet countries ended the Soviet Union. -
Urkaine protests begin
Anti-government protesters take the streets and riots brake out. Many people are injured and even killed along with police officers. The protesters want a country without as much influence from Russia, so they took to the streets. The U.S. is in support of the movement which could also turn into turmoil between the U.S. and Russia.
