-
Period: to
Europe: 1648-1948
-
The Execution of Charles I of England
The execution of Charles I of England represented the first time a monarch ws tried and executed by his own subjects. This painting by an unknown artist represents an eye-witness account of the event itself. The event is significant as it set a precedent of overthrowing an absolute monarch via social upheavel. -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man was a fundamental document of the French Revolution created by the National Assembly in 1789. The Declaration combined enlightenment and revolutionary thought to define new liberties for citizens. It is significant in creating new ideas regarding citizenship that would spread throughout Europe influencing future revolutionary uprisings. -
The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte is an example of how the aftermath of a revolution can affect an entire continent. This painting by Jacque-Louis David paints Napoleon in a heroic light seemingly justifying his future conquests. The painting is significant in it's attempts to justify a conqueror who would change the face of Europe in the wake of the French Revolution. -
Greek Revolution
The Greek Revolution was a war independance fought against the Ottoman Empire in 1829. The accompanying primary source I used for this event is the 'Treaty of London' which brought the United Kingdom, France, and Russia into the conflict. It is significant as it violated the Congress of Vienna as the great powers of Europe now stood in defense of revolutionaries; a reversal of their previous stance. -
The Frankfurt Parliament
The Frankfurt Parliament was the result of revolutionary uprisings in Germany in 1848. The parliament was an attempt to unify the German states under nationalism and liberal tenants. The event is significant as it was an early attempt at the formation of the German State. The nationalist views expressed within the parliament along with the clear primacy of Prussia lay the groundwork for what would become Germany. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
In the aftermath of the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks moved to make peace with Germany and pull out of World War I; this was codified in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The Treaty was significant in signalling Russias movement away from the European system in order to focus on it's internal development as the Soviet Union. Trotsky's speech on the treaty as well further cemented the Soviet ideals that would come to define the Soviet Union; a major global power of the 20th century.
