Western Civilization: Theme - Political - Final

Code of Hammurabi

1792 BCE

The Code of Hammurabi was the first code of Law in 1792. Hammurabi tried to portray himself as the source of justice for people. Hammurabi was a political man that wanted strict justice. This new code was a new “technology” that opened many doors throughout Western Civilization and their political stance.

Creation of Monarchy in Israel

1020 BCE

The creation of Monarchy in Isreal was a new beginning. Since Isreal created a Monarchy, the Israelis could grow politically and economically. This was an important time throughout Western Civilization since they saw how successful the differents empires could be. The creation was a new step for Western Civilization that continued to grow.

Foundation of Roman Republic

753 BCE

Rome was founded by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE. Changing from monarchy to a republic was a power change for Rome. While their republic began to grow larger, their power also grew as an empire. Their political stance was now more powerful than ever.

Cleisthenes’ Reforms

508 BCE

The Cleisthenes reform was from 508 BCE to 501 BCE. The major aim of Cleisthenes’ reform was to weaken the power of other traditional localities and regions, which had provided the foundation for aristocratic strength. This was political growth for the aristocrats. It was more power for people politically than the government. This was a new concept to Western Civilization.

Conquests of Alexander the Great

336 BCE

The conquest of Alexander the Great was from 336 BCE to 323 BCE. When Alexander was able to expand his empire, many political and cultural ideals also expanded through other empires. Throughout the conquest, each empire was able to understand each other more since they saw the different aspects of them. This left a lasting impact on Western Civilization.

Age of Augustus

31 BCE

Augustus was a Roman statesman and military leader who became the first emperor of the Roman Empire. Augustus created the beginning of the Roman Empire. After Augustus became the Roman emperor, he made many changes that affected them politically. Augustus was able to impact Rome and Western Civilization as a whole. Augustus isn't as well known as others, but he is just as important.

Religious Reforms of Constantine

312

The religious reforms of Constantines were from 312 to 337. As the first Roman emperor to claim conversion to Christianity, Constantine played an influential role in the proclamation of the Edict of Milan in 313. Many emperors and people became Christians. This resulted in the creation of the Holy Roman Empire.

Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman Empire

800

In 800, Pope Leo lll crowned Charlemagne the new Holy Roman Emperor. During Charlemagne’s reign, he was part of several military campaigns to expand his kingdom. Even though Charlemagne was not favored by others, Charlemagne still wanted to make a difference in Rome. Charlemagne was a brave man that wanted to make an impact on Western Civilization in many ways.

The Crusades

1096

All of the Crusades occurred from 1096 to 1291. Throughout each Crusades, they were able to strengthen power and territory, which also altered their political stance as well as views. Towns and communities were able to grow and expand throughout history.

The Emergence of Parliament

1295

During this time period, everyone was looking for some type of structure. The development of parliament was developed in 1295. This was an institution of great importance in the development of representative government. This was a new political stance that helped characterize the Late Middle Ages in a positive way.

Black Death

1342

Even though the Black Death wasn’t strictly political, this affected many aspects politically. This caused many peasants to revolt which happen in England. It also caused many economic problems that we are seeing in our pandemic today that have affected us economically and politically. This was an eye-opening event that impacted Western Civilization.

The Voyages of Columbus

1492

Christopher Columbus, an explorer, discovered the “New World” of the Americas. This resulted in many political changes throughout the world and the rediscovery of Europe. These voyages lasted from 1492 to 1506. These voyages played a huge role in history as well as our own lives.

Religious Reformation in England

1509

The English reformation was from 1509 to 1558. During this time, the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. There were many long term effects from the reformation that occurred politically and religiously. These effects were positive and negative towards Western Civilization.