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Jan 1, 1488
Bartholomeu Dias reaches the Cape of Good Hope
Bartholomeu Dias reached the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. Sailing from Europe to the bottom tip of Africa, this explorer was searching for a way to the profitable spice trade in Asia. Though he did not make it to Asia, Bartholomeu Dias sailed across a very great distance and proved that it was possible to sail around Africa. -
Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus Lands in America
Christopher Columbus wanted to find a faster route to the profitable spice trade in Asia. He believed that he could get to Asia much faster than traditional routes by sailing West across the Atlantic Ocean. Columbus also wanted to discover new islands, gold and riches, and spread the Christian religion. The rulers of Spain allowed him to go explore with 3 ships. He claimed all the land he encountered for Spain. He called the natives in America "Indians" because he believed he had reached India. -
Jan 1, 1498
Vasco da Gama sails to India
Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese sailor, sailed around the Cape of Good Hope to India. Portuguese sailors were searching for a way around Africa, while Spain decided to try to find a completely new way to India. Vasco da Gama was the commander of the first ships that sailed directly from Europe to India. He was also the first European to sail by sea to India. -
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French Revolution
The government system was an absolute monarchy. The King and special groups that made up only about 5% of the population controlled almost all of the wealth and power of the country and did not have to pay taxes. This made the common people angry. The success of the American revolution and the ideas of Voltair and Jean-Jaques Rousseau inspired the people to revolt and demand a more democratic form of government. -
French People storm the Bastille
Angry French people stormed the Bastille in 1789. The Bastille was a medieval fortress and prison in Paris that represented the power of the monarchy. This showed the king that the people refused to listen to him and that he had lost control of the people. He gave up his powers to the National Assembly soon after this event. -
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World War I
France, Britain, and Russia fought Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy in World War I. This war introduced new weapons and technology to the battlefield. The lethality of theses weapons caused millions of deaths and massive destruction in European countries. This war changed the European countries. Many Empires were broken apart as a result of the hardships caused by war and massive revolts against the governments. New countries and governments were created with new governing philosophies. -
German U-Boats sink the Lusitania
As part of Germany's millitary actions of World War I, German U-boats sunk the British ocean liner Lusitania. 1,198 passengers were killed including 120 Americans. The American public was angered by the loss of American lives and Germany's violation of the Freedom of the Seas policy that the United States had. This motivated America to join the British and French in World War I. America's addition to the war helped the war end in Britain and France's favor. -
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World War II
The Allied powers consisted of France, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union.The Axis powers consisting of Germany, Italy, and Japan fought the Allied powers with new weapons and technology in World War II. The United States joined the Allied powers in 1941. The Axis countries had fascist governments and tried to conquer neighboring countries. The Allied countries defeated the Axis countries in 1945. By the end of the war, European countries became either democratic or communistic. -
European Union is Formed
European countries are working together to become more of an economic power. One way in which they are cooperating is through the European Union. In 1993, what was the Common Market became the European Union, or EU. The EU began with 12 European countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Greece. These 12 nations worked together to enhance commerce and cooperation between the countries. -
3 Nations are added to the EU
In 1995, 3 European countries were added to the European Union. These countries included Austria, Finland, and Sweden. These new additions helped the European Union grow. -
European Union begins using the Euro
A common currency was introduced in the European Union in 2002. This common coin was called the Euro. The Euro is used today in almost all European countries. Every country has it's own picture on the back side of the Euro coin, however the front remains the same. All Euros, (Coins and paper money) are accepted in all countries that use the Euro, even if the backside is from another country.
