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May 29, 1453
Fall of Constantinople
In 1453, the Ottomans led by Mehmed II captured the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople. The capture of the capital ended the Roman Empire which had lasted for 1500 years. This also affected the Christendom negatively and reduced the power of the Pope. -
Period: May 29, 1453 to
Ottoman Empire (through 1924)
The Ottoman Empire truly began after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. With Istanbul as its capital, the empire controlled most of the trade between Europe and Asia which brought them economic prosperity. The empire peaked in the 16th century under the leadership of Suleiman the Magnificent, who expanded the empire into Europe and parts of Central Asia. After his death, the empire began to decline due to the sheer size of the empire and officially ended in the aftermath of World War I. -
Period: Feb 20, 1464 to
Songhay Empire
The Songhay Empire was one of the biggest Islamic and African empires in the world. Replacing Mali as the ruling power in West Africa, the Songhay Empire controlled the gold trade route as well as several routes, which brought them economic prosperity. The empire reached peak under the rule of Sunni Ali, who built a complex administrative and military system that kept the empire stable for more than a century, However, in 1591, the empire fell to the superior Moroccan army. -
Oct 12, 1492
European Arrival in the Americas
Under the Spanish flag, Genoan sailor Christopher Columbus set sail to find a new route to the Indies and unintentionally came across a continent unknown to Europe. Upon arrival, it was evident that Columbus had reached a different land than expected, and created a link acorss the Atlantic Ocean that would transform the world. Following this expedition, Europe would colonize and explore the "New World" and benefit from raw resources, establishing slave agriculture to produce cash crops. -
Period: Jun 1, 1501 to
Safavid Empire
Shi'a Islamic empire founded in the early 16th century in modern Iran, the Safavid Empire ousted by the Ottomans was founded upon Shi'a Islam and grew largely to its convienent trading location. Strongly supressed other religions and maintained a strict religious identity that would spur conflicts with neighboring empires such as the Ottoman and Mughal. Thriving until poor leaders were corrupt and complacent, eventually leading to the Empire's collapse in the earlier part of the 18th century. -
Oct 31, 1517
Protestant Reformation
Led by German monk Martin Luther, the protestant reformation was a movement away from the corrupt Catholic church that was selling indulgences. After gaining a following, the protestant branch began to seperate from the traditional Catholic Church that was headed by the Pope, who often overstepped his authority. The Pope was heavily involved in the lives of people, and his position of power was often used in ways not completely ethical. -
Aug 13, 1521
Conquistadors topple the Aztecs
Powered by powerful inventions such as guns and crossbows, the significantly outnumbered Spanish forces led by Conquistadors were able to break down large indigenous Empires. By capturing and killing the emporers, the Spanish were able to strategically conquer the Aztec. The advanced Spanish soldiers and strategy were the cause of an improbable victory and the new Spanish control of Central America. Francisco Pizzaro, following their wake, toppled the Incan empire in 1531. -
Period: Oct 25, 1526 to
Mughal Empire (through 1857)
The Mughal rule began in India when Turko-Mongols, led by Babur surged into India. From 1526 to 1858, the Mughal Empire ruled over the subcontinent. The empire was an Islamic state led by great Muslim leaders such as Akbar and Aurengzeb. Its golden age began under the leadership of Akbar where the empire enjoyed economic prosperity and religious harmony. Beginning in 18th century, the empire started to decline due to financial problems and internal revolts. -
Period: to
Thirty Years War
The Thirty Years Wars was one of the most bloodiest and longest wars in the history of Europe. Beginning in 1618 in Bohemia, the war expanded and included most of the major powers in Europe. All the campaigns were fought mainly on German soil which left the country in ruins. The war ended in 1648 by the treaty of Westphalia. The treaty reshaped the religious and political map of central Europe and ended the old Roman Catholic empire, giving way to sovereign states. -
Period: to
Rule of Peter the Great
Rule of Peter the Great brought huge prosperity to the Tsardom. Under his rule, the empire expanded due to successful wars and became a dominant power in Europe. He also led the cultural revolution which replaced the traditional and medieval systems with modern and westernized systems.
