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Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Dec 31, 1450
The Little Ice Age
With a slight decrease in temperatures in this period, agriculture and the human population suffered greatly. Food production decreased as harvests failed and the population experienced a widespread famine. This contributed to the severity of the Black Plague as this period left people weak and unable to fight off disease effectively. -
Jan 1, 1309
Babylonian Captivity
Because relations between the French crown and the papacy became stressed in the time of King Philip the Fair, he decided to force the papacy to move to France. This damaged papal prestige and the popes during this captivity mainly focused on bureaucratic matters. Eventually this would end in 1377 with Pope Gregory XI but as he died shortly after the return to Rome and Urban VI was appointed, starting the Great Schism. -
Jan 1, 1310
Divine Comedy
In a shift from writing in Latin to the vernacular, Dante Aligheri united faith and reason by writing of a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. By writing in Italian, Dante broke with a long tradition of writing in Latin for higher intellectuals only. This led to more people in the Italian area being able to read and appreciate it. -
Jan 1, 1315
Seven Lean Years Begin
Also known as the Great Famine of 1315-1322, this was brought on by the Little Ice Age and the decrease in crop yields. This also dropped the immune systems for typhoid and the Black Death, causing many more to die from it. This was only compounded by the lack of transportation of food and the large likelihood of a bad harvest in that period of time. -
Period: Jan 1, 1337 to Dec 31, 1453
The Hundred Years´ War
Being the longest war in European history, this war featured battles like Agincourt, where longbows were introduced a the new destructive force, as well as the French military leader Joan d´Arc. This war also pioneered the use of representative assemblies in government which would prove to be the precursor of the legislative system of parliaments and other democratic institutions. -
Jan 1, 1347
The Black Death
The Black Death was brought about by a mixture of sanitary issues and better ships. With a third of the population of Europe dying from it, many also thought it was a punishment from God which caused some to administer bodily harm upon themselves in reconciliation. For the people who survived, higher wages were available due to labor shortages and in general started an age of "new men." -
Jan 1, 1350
Genesis of Humanism
Around 1350, Francesco Petrach coined the idea of humanism, also known as the liberal studies, with the idea that the study of Latin and Greek literature would help understand human nature. This was a widely accepted idea of the Renaissance as many scholars became fascinated with the old cultures after Muslim scholars helped reintroduce them to Europe. This idea would also prove to be a driving force behind most scholarly thought until the Enlightenment. -
Jan 1, 1358
Jacquerie Uprising
Named after a mythical French laborer, this uprising was sparked from peasants having to pay for their Lord's ransom from the English king. Peasants swept through the countryside, killing nobles until they were all cut down by the Upper class. This is a classic example of a tax revolt, which would be seen again and again throughout history, examples being the American and French Revolutions. -
Jan 1, 1375
Secularism
Starting with the Renaissance and growing throughout it, secularism is the concern of the material world over the eternal world of heaven. This is characterized by the increase of personal wealth that could improve life and make it more comfortable. There was not real decrease in piety though, as people just focused on their present more, instead of spending a significant amount of time focusing on heaven. -
Jan 1, 1378
The Great Schism
After the Babylonian Captivity, the Italians put significant pressure on the papacy to choose an Italian pope, which they did willingly. However, some did not accept this after this new pope started to reform the church which led people to appoint a new pope and eventually a third pope at the same time. This weakened the following behind the church and brought the leadership into disrepute. -
Jan 1, 1381
Peasants' Revolt in England
Brought on by peasants' anger over frozen wages and static class structure, this revolt was also brought about by taxes. This revolt was centered in the south and the east as they had been attacked by the French in the 100 Years' War and had grown resentful of the government. This revolt was also brutally put down after Richard II tricked the leaders of it and slaughtered them. Serfdom was thrown out the window though after as during it, they could not enforce it and this revolt cemented that. -
Jan 1, 1387
Canterbury Tales
In this collection of stories by Geoffrey Chaucer, the vernacular is also used to convey national pride. This collection also highlights social tensions of the age as well as the concern for this world over the next. This showed a growing trend of writing in native languages that eventually grew to the point that learning Latin or Greek became unnecessary. -
Jan 1, 1422
Revival of France
This is important because it led to the establishment of a governmental system that lasted until just before 1800 as well as the creation of the first permanent royal army. It also initiated two new important taxes, the gabelle and the taille, that also lasted until the Revolution. This finally set the stage for a French Golden Age that would show itself in the Enlightenment. -
Jan 1, 1434
The Medicis
This is important as this family was very influential and powerful throughout the Renaissance. They controlled Florence for a time and commissioned several pieces of iconic Renaissance artwork. They also played a significant part in French politics and influenced the appointment of Cardinal Richelieu as the French Foreign Minster in 1624. -
Jan 1, 1438
Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges
This is important as it gave the French Crown the power over the appointment of bishops. This strengthened the crown considerably and consolidated power even more. This also tied the church and the crown together so that the crown would be superior and have more power if the need arose. -
Period: Jan 1, 1450 to Dec 31, 1521
The Renaissance
This is important as it introduced multiple artistic styles and ways of thinking to the world. Example of this is single point perspective, secularism, and humanism. This also introduced many famous people and immortalized them. These include Raphael, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. -
Jan 1, 1454
Moveable Type
This is important as this allowed more accessibility to books and therefore more literacy. This is also considered one of the most important inventions of all-time because of this. If this were not invented, society would have never have progressed as far as it has. -
Jan 1, 1455
The War of the Roses Begins
This is important because it eventually put the Tudors on the throne of England which in turn initiated events such as the reigns of both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. This event also brought about a series of several centralized monarchs that were everything Machiavellian; meaning ruthlessness, efficiency, and secrecy. These rulers also strove to deal with foreign affairs through diplomacy rather than war. -
Jan 1, 1456
Gutenberg's Bible
Made through movable type, this increased the literacy and piety of many Germans. Though Gutenberg went bankrupt in this endeavor, he also helped society to progress immeasurably. With this and the overall development of movable type, Gutenberg changed society. -
Jan 1, 1469
Marriage of Isabella of Castile to Ferdinand of Aragon
This is important as it initiated the unification of Spain as well as the driving out of all Jews and Muslims from Spanish lands. This also led to events such as Columbus sailing the Atlantic and the eventual joining with the Holy Roman Empire. With this, when Charles V came to his throne as the Holy Roman Emperor, he was one of the most powerful people in Europe. So powerful in fact that France made a point to weaken him. -
Jan 1, 1478
The Spanish Inquisition
Initiated by Ferdinand of Aragon, this venture was started in order not to lose popular support among his people in their quest to find a scapegoat for the Black Death. This fueled antisemitism as this also coined the idea of Jews as a race, which was a main idea in many religious purges since then. -
Jan 1, 1485
Establishment of Tudor Line
This is important as this line was highly effective and very influential during the time they had power. They restored royal prestige in England and crushed the nobility, centralizing the government. This line also established effective local governments in order to better control their subjects. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Reaches New World
This is important as this shaped world history as we know it. It opened up countless opportunities for exploration and colonization as well as ways to begin again. It was also to the start of many nations and peoples as immigrants and slaves poured over from the New World. -
Jan 1, 1494
Invasion of Italy
This is important as this marked the start of using Italy as a battleground. It would remain this way all the way to World War II as it was usually involved in some manner. It also gave France control of Italy for a time. -
Jan 1, 1500
Start of Black Slave Trade
This is important as it brings Portugal into the world spotlight as nautically strong in this period. They were very active in transporting slaves throughout Europe and the New World throughout the next several hundred years. This eventually led to a large number of Africans in many different countries which ultimately changed the demographic over time, even if people thought them as inferior at first. -
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to Dec 31, 1527
The High Renaissance
This is important as this is the time where the true masters of the time period were active. These include Da Vinci and Raphael. These masters, and others, were centered in Rome, where they painted and sculpted their way into places like cathedrals and papal bedrooms. -
Period: Jan 1, 1509 to Dec 31, 1547
The Reign of Henry VIII
This is important because Henry VIII is one of the more influential kings in English history. He had eight wives. He started the Anglican Church. He sired one of the best rulers in English history, Elizabeth I. -
Jan 1, 1513
The Prince by Machiavelli
This is important as it outlines what seems to be a cruel ruler, but that is not the intended interpretation. However, it was interpreted to be that way and has led many astray. In fact the word Machiavellian derives from this interpretation. -
Jan 1, 1515
Indulgences
These are important as this also caused the Reformation. It outraged Luther to the point of making him write the 95 Theses. It also was cause of the eventual Catholic Reformation after the Church realized that they had blundered. -
Jan 1, 1516
Utopia by More
This is important as it outlines the conditions for a perfect society, which is still being pursued today. It was very original when it was released and it was implied that conflicts were often caused by greed. More also stated that this perfect society was impossible but that has not stopped people from trying, viewed in multiple Utopian experiments throughout the ages. -
Oct 31, 1517
Ninety-Five Theses
This is important as this started the Reformation. This caused the start of Lutheranism and other Protestant denominations. It caused a great rift in Christianity that is still felt today. -
Jan 1, 1519
Charles V Crowned
This is important as this man becomes one of the most powerful people in his age. As he was appointed Emperor when he was 19 he had a large amount of responsibility very early on but he believed that it was his duty to maintain the political and religious unity of Europe. Because of this, he is considered the last medieval emperor. -
Jan 1, 1521
Start of Habsburg-Valois Wars
This was important because it was a huge feud between France and the Holy Roman Empire. This is because France wanted to keep the Germans divided. This also brought the Peace of Augsburg into fruition when these wars were over. This officially recognized Lutheranism but not Calvinism. -
Jan 1, 1528
The Courtier
This is important because it outlines a proper gentleman. This also outlined what they need to be good at. It influenced social patterns and the code of conduct of the elite until Early Modern Europe. -
Period: Jan 1, 1540 to
Scientific Revolution
This is important because of the number of breakthroughs that happened during this period. From Galileo to Kepler, many scientists and thinkers made many discoveries that are used still today. Examples included heliocentricity and ellipse orbitals as well as the law of universal gravitation and inertia. -
Jan 1, 1555
Peace of Augsburg
This was important as it recognized Lutheranism. It did not recognize Calvinism which would lead to future conflicts. This is shown in France with the Huguenots and the Catholics fighting each other for dominance. -
Period: Jan 1, 1558 to
Reign of Elizabeth I
This is important because of the stability she brought to England. She was the who gave the authorization to colonize the New World. She reformed the Anglican Church. She was flexible and clever and in general did not cause friction within the government. -
Edict of Nantes
This is important as it recognized Calvinism in France. It was issued by Henry IV of France as he converted to Catholicism to take the throne and wanted peace between the two religions. This would be revoked in the next century. -
Dutch East India Company Founded
This is important as it is the the best example of the Dutch Golden Age. They were very active in spice trading and made a lot of money in this endeavor. Eventually, they gave way to the British though, and they entered into their Golden Age using this. -
Period: to
The Thirty Years' War
This is important as it could be considered the first World War.It also ended religious wars. The Treaty of Westphalia made sure of this and everyone was very good at keeping to it. Part of reason is because it recognized most of the German princes as sovereigns and that Calvinism be included with Lutheranism in the Augsburg agreement. -
Cardinal Richelieu Appointed First Minister to French Crown
This is important as he was very effective at doing his job. This job included annoying the Habsburgs. He also worked on centralizing the French government even more, which paved the way for the absolutist era of French government -
Period: to
Reign of Frederick William in Prussia
This is important because in his reign Frederick united and strengthened Prussia into a powerful nation-state. He established a powerful army and a centralized government. This ultimately resulted in a government that lasted until the 1860s. -
Period: to
Reign of Louis XIV
This is important because of the multiple wars he put France through. This was due to his observation that the title of "conqueror" was highly prestigious. To do this he increased the army tenfold which the state employed. This ensured that he had command and he could control them. His expansion ended however in 1684 with the capture of Lorainne. -
English Civil War Ends
This is important as it indicates the end of absolutism in England. Although there was the period of Cromwell as dictator, Parliament had more power than even before, making it more a constitutional monarchy. -
Oliver Cromwell
This is important as this is one of the first examples of a modern dictator. He is responsible for the Navigation Act, one of the acts that angered the American colonists. He also welcomed Jews back into England -
Treaty of Pyrenees
This is important as it ends the age of Spanish imperial dominance. With this and the over inflation of the Spanish currency, Spain eventually became very poor and was reduced in power. This paves the way for France to move into the spotlight. -
Restoration of English Monarchy
This is important as it is the start of the constitutional monarchy that is still in use today to some degree in England. Parliament and Charles II were very cooperative with each other over the course of the reign. This did not solve the issues of religion however. -
Jean-Baptiste Colbert implements mercantilism in France
This is important as mercantilism begins its reign here. This increased the power of France significantly as new businesses were formed and existing businesses boomed. With this new money Colbert improved the infrastructure of France and increased the size of the French Navy dramatically. -
Edict of Nantes Revoked
This is important as most Huguenots had converted back to Catholicism. This however was forced as the Crown wanted to have everyone under one faith. This decision, though applauded by Catholics, was not received well by the Protestants as many emigrated, leaving France with very little skilled workers. -
Issac Newton and His Discoveries
This is important as a lot of scientific theories are derived from his work. His works include the law of universal gravitation and the laws of dynamics. Without him, science definitely not be as advanced as it is now. -
Glorious Revolution
This is important because it shows how rooted in Anglicanism England is. They do not take kindly to a Catholic ruler. When this happened, they drove them out and established Protestant rulers. -
John Locke
He is important because he was one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. He wrote several essays on government and influenced multiple constitutions. he gave us the idea of life, liberty, and property. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
This is important because of the intellectual advancements that occurred during this time. From Voltaire to Rousseau, many thinkers put their two pence worth into the Enlightenment. Ideas like separation of church and state and basic liberties are what came out. -
Period: to
Height of Atlantic Slave Trade
This is important because the slave trade was vital to colonies in the New World. The large influx of slaves to the New World was a very big money maker for industries like sugar and tobacco, which relied heavily on slave labor. -
Peter The Great Founds St. Petersburg
This is important because this shows the determination of Russia to keep up with Western Europe. This new capital was very westernized in order to attempt this. To do this though, he used serf labor with a war happening which basically forced people to do something which was not the best idea considering who he was trying to emulate. -
War of Spanish Succession Ends
This is important because it separated Spain from France permanently as one of the conditions was that no one could sit on both thrones. The treaty resulting from this was the Treaty of Utrecht. This completed Spain's decline and expanded England, starting its rise. It also defined boundaries as to how powerful a nation could become. -
Period: to
Growth in European Population
This is important as it is brought on by a number of things. The first thing is because of the agricultural revolution making more food than ever. The second thing is the industrial revolution slowly making life better for the average individual. Both these things combined to create a higher standard of living, making people more confident in their situation which caused larger families. -
Agricultural Revolution
This is important as it increased the food output of Europe dramatically. It also led to an increase in population. It also led to the decline of small farms as enclosure and nobles took lands for themselves. -
Putting-out System
This is important as it was the the early model of industry. With the developments of the industrial revolution however, this became obsolete as people started to work in factories that were much more effective. -
The Encyclopedia
This is important because it compiled so much general knowledge in one place. It included many Enlightenment thinkers and covered many different ideas, some controversial. This summed up the Enlightenment as well. -
Seven Years' War Ends
This is important as it marks a closing to France's activities in the New World. As the British received Canada at the end of this war, France lost interest in their holdings and eventually sold them to the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase. This also marks the start of Great Britain losing their colones as they made them pay taxes for a war that they really did not care about -
Wealth of Nations by Smith
This is important as it was highly critical of mercantilism and basically predicted the American Revolution. In this, free trade is preferred and that governments should be limited somewhat in their activities. These ideas are still used today so some extent across the globe. -
The Thirteen Colonies Declare Independence From Great Britain
This is important as is starts the history of America as a nation. They beat the British and have since helped the world and Europe many times over. They have caused much grief as well, but this is where that really started. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
This is important because of the changes it brought to society and manufacturing. With the huge increase in productivity, many people could afford more luxury items and did not have make everything for themselves. This eventually created a consumer society that purchased most goods. -
French Revolution Begins
This is important as it signals the end of a monarchy and the beginning of an era of political instability until Napoleon. This was a period of many deaths, many governments, and many food shortages. It astounded rulers throughout the world as they realized how fragile their rule might be. It showed the world that monarchies could be toppled. -
Declaration on the Rights of Man
This is important as it shows how much the French revolutionaries were influenced by the Enlightenment and the American Revolution. It also showed how determined people were to change the French government. It did end up failing in the long run, but it displayed the urge for democracy. -
Period: to
Romantic Movement
This was important because of the breaking with classical ideas. While classical art was regulation, romanticism was lawlessness. It was more about emotions than logic. Because of this, many romantics were slightly insane and at the least, eccentric. The best examples of this is the the Sturm und Drang group. -
Robespierre Seizes Power
This is important because this is one of the more unstable parts of the revolution. Robespierre ruled with fear and oppression as a dictator, which made him powerful until he was eventually overthrown and beheaded himself. This showed the radical side of the French Revolution as well as the French want of democracy, not dictatorship. -
Smallpox Vacine
This was important because this was one of the deadliest diseases in this time period. When it was finally neutralized, the world became a slightly healthier place. Because of this, there was one less deadly pathogen running amok. -
Period: to
Napoleonic Era
This is important because of the relative stability of this era of French history. Being that it was preceded by 10 years of bloody violence, this was very stable, wars and all. Napoleon brought unity and stability in his rule. He treated the population well and they trusted him. It is part of the reason why his nephew came into power as well. -
Metternich
Metternich was important because he got the idea to not punish the french very badly in fear of them becoming angry and taking it out on the world. He gave them a benign peace and created the Congress of Vienna which worked until the start of World War I. He also was a staunch conservative and felt that liberalism was to blame for the wars with France, making him target liberal ideas, which won in the long run, as seen with WWI. -
Hundred Days
This is important because it is the end of Napoleon's Era as well as an indicator of how much people liked him. He managed to raise an army only to have it defeated in 100 days, but still the people trusted his name. After all, it is how his nephew became elected as the president of France. -
Greek Independence
This is important as this is evidence of the decline of the Ottoman Turks. The Ottoman Turks would eventually be wiped off the map with WWI but this is proof of how long they lasted. -
Period: to
Great Famine in Ireland
This is important because it shows that Great Britain is not innocent when it comes to subjugation. They mistreated the Irish and then neglected to aid them when this happened. This caused many to move elsewhere to find work and a better life. These places included Great Britain and America. -
The Revolutions of 1848
These are important as these show the emergence of nationalism. While all these failed at that time, the world was shown how much people wanted their country to be theirs. These set the groundwork for the successful happenings later in the century as well as the eventual happenings that lead up to WWI. -
The Communist Manifesto by Marx
This is important as it has also been perverted and twisted to meet the desires of lunatics. It has guided the likes of Hitler and Stalin and has been misused greatly. It is influential to this day as historians look through history at events like the Holocaust and the Cold War. -
Great Exhibition in Great Britain
This is important because it highlights Great Britain's dominance in industry during this time period. Being that they were the most productive nation for a time, they decided to flaunt it. This of course caused other nations to work harder but it was only through war that the U.S. got ahead. -
Pasteurization
This is important as this allowed for transportation of milk and other perishables which increased the production and the products of those substances. It also allowed for temporary storage of the materials, which meant that people could receive it in the city. It also meant a reduction of diseases as the bacteria was killed which helped public health. -
On the Origin of Species by Darwin
This was important because it presented another idea that differed from the Church. This presented the idea that God did not necessarily make man and that ruined some people's beliefs. this led to much uproar and debate as people questioned the Church. The Church eventually accepted the possibility but still do not agree with everything. -
Otto von Bismarck
Bismarck is important as he is the one who succeeded in uniting Germany. Without him, there would be no Germany. It would still be a conglomeration of states and no unity whatsoever. He brought together those states and made them strong, and unfortunately because of this, WWI and WWII both happened. -
The Periodic Table
This is important because it was and still is one of the main tools of scientists. This organized all of the elements logically and even predicted some as well. This has made modern chemistry possible. -
Unification of Italy
This is important because Italy plays a large part in the 20th century. Without this, some events might never have happened. This also shows the increasing nationalism of the European people. It is this nationalism that starts WWI. -
Period: to
Age of Imperialism
This is important because this was highly nationalistic and supposedly for the greater good. European countries took over African and Asian countries, by force if necessary, and claimed it was for the residents' benefit. Some examples of this is South Africa, China, and India. -
Period: to
World War I
This is important as it is labeled the worst war in human history. With deplorable trenches, outdated training, and new weapons, the battlefield was a veritable cesspool of death. Not to mention that when it was actually over, the treaty did not solve anything. It just stalled the next round of fighting. -
Total War
This is important because it shows the determination of a country in war to win. This shows the power of a nation with the entire population at its back. It also shows how fearsome a Great Power can be when they implement this. This is seen in Great Britain, the U.S., and Germany. -
Russian Revolution
This is important because it marks the start of communism in Russia. It also shows how powerful the right words in the the right hands can be. Also, it shows how communism works in practice and how easily it was perverted from the ideal. -
League of Nations
This is important because while it was good in theory, it turned out to be a complete failure as America did not join it. It was as shell of what it should have been and did not have the power it should have had either. It did help in founding the United Nations however, which continues to keep peace to this day. -
Treaty of Versailles
This is important because it solves none of the problems. It is essentially and armistice until WWII because of the punishment and the resentment it left behind. It helped Hitler rise to power and take over Germany. It helped start WWII. -
Existentialism
This is important because it led many to question why humanity is here and how we should conduct ourselves. It caused many to gain a pessimistic view on the world and it also led to a large questioning of faith. No answer has yet presented itself to this problem, as people still wonder this on a daily basis. -
Mussolini Takes over Italy
This is important as this is a driving force in starting WWII. The Fascist government put in place was not acceptable to democracy and so the world decided to destroy it. It also led many to their deaths as this event was also a precursor to WWII. -
Period: to
Great Depression
This is important because of the widespread effect it had on the world. It ruined multiple nation's economies and pushed Germany over the edge when it came to anger over the war. It made conditions even worse there and in their anger they turned to the Nazi Party and the road to WWII was initiated. -
Hitler Appointed Chancellor in Germany
This is important because this, indirectly at least, cost the lives of millions of people. This event helped cause the Holocaust, and WWII and the Iron Curtain. This event helped divide the world between the U.S. and Russia. -
Period: to
World War II
This is important because it could have been avoided if the World's top governments had done the right thing the first time n 1919. With atrocities committed left and right with the Holocaust and Hiroshima and Nagasaki, millions of people were killed in this war. It was not until after the war that these were fully revealed though. -
Period: to
The Holocaust
This is important because it is the worst example of an ethnic purge to date. During the war, Nazis rounded up and murdered 6-11 million Jews throughout Europe. Nothing was as bad as this. It was brutal. It was inhumane. It will not be forgotten. -
Period: to
The Cold War
This is important because this was a period of great fear in the world. Everyone was afraid of all-out nuclear warfare. No one felt truly safe. It was not until it ended and the Iron Curtain fell that people felt safer. -
Formation of NATO
This is important as this set the U.S. and Russia farther apart from each other. This angered the Russians and set themselves more distant from Europe by excluding them. It may have been in the name of safety, but in this unstable of a time, it was not the best move by far. -
Berlin Wall
This is important because it is the physical embodiment of the Iron Curtain and Containment. It shows that the communists did not want anything to do with democracy and did not want to lose their own people to it. It also shows that they were prepared to do anything in order to do this. -
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
This is important because communism has finally failed. It shows that democracy is more stable and more accepted. It also shows that fear and total control mean nothing in the long run. It shows that liberal aspects of society are more desirable. -
War in Afghanistan
This is important because it shows that there will always be problems somewhere. It also shows that the Middle East is unstable and that some countries in the region mean the rest of the world harm. The joint effort against this is also important as the world is starting to unite more and more in the global society that is slowly emerging. -
The Euro is Issued
This is important because it is a huge example of international unity. This shows that most of Europe is financially stable and that they are working together instead of fighting. It also shows the hope they have for a peaceful future. -
ICC Formed
This is important because it also shows the international effort to maintain peace. Not only are nations dealing with criminals together, but they trust each other's judgement to do this. It shows how closely knit the world really is. -
Second War in Iraq
This is important because it also shows the distance we still have to go to be better. We cannot just turn a blind eye to the events of the world and expect things to turn out okay. If we mess it up, we fix it, and this shows that the Great Powers still need to learn that. -
Kosovo Declares Independence from Serbia
This is important because this shows that nationalism still exists. It also shows that the world is not yet "perfect" and that there is still much to be done. Not everyone will be happy though, as there is still plenty of resistance to this pursuit of betterment -
Armed Conflict In Georgia
This also shows that the world is not perfect and that there will always be problems. This also shows that the area around Russia and even Russia itself is still not entirely stable. Conflict will happen there still in the future considering that it is still adjusting to its new norm. -
Terror Attacks in Norway
This is also important because it highlights the problems in the world. Some people do not agree with others and that will stay the same no matter what. It is what we do about them that matters. -
Vatican Picks first South American Pope
This is important because it shows how connected the world is now. With people being able to travel around the world in the matter of hours, many things can happen. With this new connectivity, the world can be made a better place, and with this case, it is with mercy. -
Ukrainian Civil War
This is important because this also shows the relative instability in the Baltic region. This shows that Russia is still interested in expanding and this could be seen as a potential threat. It also shows how much, or how little, the world trusts Russia. -
Scotland Remains in UK
This is important because it shows the stability of the United Kingdom at this point in time. It also shows that they have mild nationalistic tendencies but have decided to resort to peaceful measures instead of other options. It shows that peace it working.
