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May 9, 1519
Charles V Inherits Two Crowns
Charles V became the king of Spain and the heir to the Hapsburg empire. Ruling two forced him to be in constant wardare against the Protestants and the Muslim Ottoman empire. The Hapsburg empire was too hard for him to rule alone and after many years of ruling he decided to resign his power and enter a monastery. -
Jul 21, 1527
Philip II Solidifes Power
Philip II expanded Spanish influence, strengthened the Catholic Church, and made his own power absolute. He centralized Spain's power and made it the foremost power in Europe. He reigned as a ruler with complete authority over the government and the lives of the people. He fought many wars because he wanted to gain land and to increase the power of the Catholic Church in Europe. Unfortunately he lost the war against the England and his empire started to decline. -
Aug 5, 1550
The Tudors Rule England
From 1485- 1603, England was ruled by Tudor monarchs. Although the Tudors believed in divine right, they shrewdly recognized the value of good relations with Parliament. They consulted and controlled Parliament in the best way possible. -
Nov 21, 1550
Spain's Golden Age
The century from 1550 and 1650 was Spain's Golden Age because of the great advancements in math and science. El Greco was one of the most famous painters during these ages. He was born in Greece and studied in Italy. He painted hauntng religious pictures and striking portraits of Spanish nobles. Many writers were also part of Spain's Golden Age. Lope de Vega and Miguel de Cervantes were very influential writers. -
Henry IV Restores Order
In 1589, Henry IV inherited the French throne. For four years Henry fought against fierce Catholic opposition to gain control of France. To end the war he converted into Catholicism. To protect Protestants he issued the Edict of Nantes which granted religious tolerance and other freedoms. He restored order by appointed royal officials to administer justice, improved roads, built bridges and revived agriculture. -
The Thirty Years War
The Thirty Years War was a series of wars fought around 1618-1648 in Central Europe. t was one of the longest and most destructive conflicts in European history. The conflicted started between Protestants and Catholics but ended up involing many parts of Europe. Disease and death were the main consequence of this war. -
Versailles: Symbol of Royal Power
In the year 1624, Louis XIV turned a royal hunting lodge into the inmense palace of Versailles. He wanted to make it the most significant building in Europe. Its halls and salons displayed the finest painting and statues. Versailles became the perfect symbol of the Sun King's wealth and power. -
The Long Parliament
The 1640 Parliament became known as the Long Parliament because it lasted on and off until 1653. Its actions triggered the greatest political revolution in English history, While struggling with Carles I, Parliament tried to execute chief ministers and later called for the abolition of bishops. It also declared that the Parliament could not be dissolved without its own consent. -
English Civil War
The English civil war started on 1642 to 1651. At first the war seemed to favor the supporters of Charles I but then the followers of the Parliament took over the war. Charles I was executed by his people. This was a great message to the people of England; it meant that no ruler could claim absolute power and ignore the rule of law. -
Louis XIV Becomes King
Louis XIV inherited the throne when he was 5 years old. Soon after he became king, disorder swept in France. Nobles, merchants, peasants, and the urban poor rebelled in order to protest royal power. Louis believed in absolute power and that helped his reign. -
Peter Sets West
In 1697, Peter set out to learn about the West because he was curious. He spent hours walking around Europe, talking to people and investigating the cities. Peter brought back to Russia a group of technical experts, teachers and soldiers he had recruited in Europe. He wanted to westernize Europe and adopt their ideas, technology and culture. He did this with great absolute power. -
Maria Theresa Becomes Emperor
Maria Theresa inherited the throne after Charles VI. She was intelligent and capable but no women had ever ruled Hapsburg lands. Frederick II attacked Hapsburg lands during her rule. Luckily she was able to preserve her empire with the help of Britain and Russia. She won the respect of most of her people and strengthened Hapsburg power. -
Peter Expands Russia
Peter created the largest standing army in Europe, built a world-class navy from scratch, and expanded Russia. His expansion started in Sweden where he built St. Petersburg. Then he won a trade route into the Pacific. His expansion helped Russia be one of the greatest powers of Europe during those times. -
Catherine The Great Follows Peter
Peter died and didn't leave any heir but after many power struggles Catherine the Great took control of Russia. She was a german princess who might have killed her husband to take control of the throne. She was a very intelligent and energetic leader. She ruled with absolute power and exdpanded the Russian territory. -
Frederick II Rules Prussia
After becoming king in 1740, Frederick II lost no time in using his army. He sezied Silesia from Austria, starting the War of the Austrian Successiom. In several other wars, Frederick continued to use his disciplined army, forcing all to recognize Prussia as a great power.
