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The Thirty Years' War
This war lasted up until 1648. This was an ongoing battle between Catholics and Protestants. This war involved most if not all of Europe. There were four phases to this war: The Bohemian, Danish, Swedish, and French phase. Either side hated each other and it was the Roman Catholics goal to completely eradicate Protestantism. -
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Wars & Battles (1618-1812)
This period of wars covers The Thirty Years' War through The Seven Years' War up until the Napoleonic Empire. -
French Academy of Fine Arts
This art school was built in Paris in 1648. This was the first true art instituion in France. Unfortunately, it was held back due to the French revolution and later renamed after tempers and war calmed. -
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Music and Art (1648-1830)
This period begins with the French art academy in Paris that successfully started the Romantic age in French history to Beethoven's first symphony at 12 years of age then ending with Chopin's world famous Nocturnes. -
Treaty of Westphalia
This pivotal event ends the Thirty Years War. This reassembles the peace of Augsburg and grants Calvinists legal recognition. This ultimately sets back Germany for the next 100 years. -
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Politics & Economics (1648-1789)
This period goes through the Treaty of Westphalia that ends The Thirty Years' War to the incredible reign of Louis XIV then ending with the French revolution document, Declaration of the Rights of Men & Citizen. -
Rene Descartes
"The Father of Modern Philosophy." Descartes was famous for his quote "Cogito, ergo sum", I think therefore I am. Before he died in 1650, he explained how the law of mathematics can explain everything. Even though he says logic and reason should be the main tools for man to understand the universe, he agrees that God does exist. -
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Science and Technology (1650-1829)
This period starts with the life of Rene Descartes (1650) and his large contribution to further science and goes through the steam powered engine (1763) then to the revolutionary advancement of the first steam powered locomotive (1829). -
Palace of Versailles
This was the official date that the palace became the official royal residence of King Louis XIV and his nobles. This was a huge political move by Louis and displayed the majestic power of France. Nobody had a home like Louis. He did not do this out of kindness for the Nobles, but more so he could keep a close watch over all of them. -
Siege of Vienna
This devastating defeat against the Ottomans was the event that truly began the decline of the Ottoman Empire. From this point on, the Ottomans were farther behind and worse off than most of Europe. -
Principia Mathematica
This is still considered one of the most stupendous achievements of the human mind. This book laid the base for overall scientific understanding. This was the very book that truly inspired the 18th century Enlightenment. -
Louis XIV
The longest monarchial rule of Louis XIV comes to an end. He started leading France at age 5, but wasn't granted full authority of the kingdom until he turned 15. He was the full embodiment of Absolutism and built the astounding Palace of Versailles. -
Isaac Newton
Before Isaac Newton's death, he became a physician, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and alchemist. He contributed so much to the scientific age including the discovery of Calculus, and his renowned book, Principia Mathmatica (1687). He also furthered Copernican's ideas and discovers the Law of Universal Gravitation. -
Triumph of Venus
This piece by Francois Boucher displays the atmosphere of the Romantic era. Boucher's Triumph of Venus is ahead of the Romanticism style that comes in the 19th century. Painting and art of Greek Mythology is gradually growing in popularity through the 18th century. -
Seven Years' War
The beginning of this war started in 1756 and lasted until 1763. Otherwise known as the French and Indian War, this was a global war that involved all great powers of Europe, the Americas and even the Indies. This event is considered the actual first world war. After the war ended, Britain was undoubtedly seen as the ultimate powerhouse of Europe. -
The Steam Engine/Steam Power
In 1763, James Watt began developing a revolutionary invention that could take steam to power machines. He was the first to effectively develop steam power and later factory systems. -
Wealth of Nations
This famous book written by Adam Smith explains a new economic and humanistic theory to pursue personal interests in the industry to create more capital and competition. This is the piece of literature that heavily pushed capitalism and a free enterprise into the picture. People began having more freedom to create their own future through business and industry. It's about building your way to the top through competition. -
American Independence
This is the historic date that marks America's final independence from Great Britain. The odds were heavily against the Americans yet the trumped the superior British army and naval force. America is free. From that point on, we established the name, the United States. -
Beethoven's First Work
Child prodigy, Ludwig Van Beethoven, published his first piano piece in 1782 before the age of 12. It was called 9 variations in C minor. It was actually used for a march Earnst Christoph Dressler. This ultimately helped fuel the Romantic age (19th century) of emotional and enriching music. -
Storming the Bastille
Storming the Bastille was the pinnacle of the French Revolution. Attacking this prison was symbolic to them attacking royal tyranny. This changed the course of the war and they consider this day their independence day. -
Declaration of the Rights of Men and Citizen
This is a document that was trying to be passed by the 3rd estate in France during the revolution. It was an important document that declared true equality, civility and freedom. Louis XVI was forced to sign in it 1789 when they captured him. -
Napoleon Bonaparte invades Russia
Napoleon's and his "Grande Armee" of 690,000 invade Russia. Napoleon currently ruled all of Europe accept for Russian territory. The beginning of this invasion actually helped lead to his downfall. Napoleon and his men could not deal with the intense weather as Winter struck and they fell back. Other nations saw this weakness and began greatly weakening Napoleon's empire. -
The First Steam Locomotive
In 1829, Robert Stephenson invented the very first steam locomotive. This machine could travel up to 16 mph on railroads. He called it "The Rocket." This incredible development would be the inspiration for future automotive trains and automobiles. -
Nocturnes, Op. 9
He started Nocturnes in 1830. Frederic Chopin wrote three Nocturnes sets in his Nocturnes, Op. 9. These set of works was his most famous work. It consisted of 21 solo piano compositions. He dedicated them to Madame Camille Pleyel.
