European History
What is European History?
European history covers a wide range of topics, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the present day. In between, there are many important events and developments worth studying. Here is a brief overview of some of the most significant highlights in European history:
The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history. It covered a significant portion of the globe, and its influence is still felt today. The empire was eventually divided in two, however, leading to the rise of the Byzantine Empire.
The Byzantine Empire was very different from the Roman Empire. Its capital was Constantinople, and its culture was heavily influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church. The empire reached its height in the Middle Ages, but it eventually fell to the Ottoman Turks.
During the Middle Ages, Europe was dominated by feudalism. This system of government allowed for a strong central authority, but it also created a lot of social inequality. The Black Death Plague also struck Europe during this time, killing millions.
The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic achievement. It began in Italy and eventually spread to the rest of Europe. This period saw the rise of great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
The Protestant Reformation was a religious movement that led to the split of the Catholic Church. It began in the 16th century and led to the rise of Protestantism. The Thirty Years' War was a conflict that largely stemmed from the Reformation.
The Enlightenment was a period of philosophy and thought. It emphasized reason and science over faith and superstition. The Enlightenment led to many important political changes, including the American and French Revolutions.
The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century and led to massive social and economic changes. It resulted in the rise of the middle class and the growth of cities. The Industrial Revolution also had a negative impact on the environment.
European history is full of complex events and developments. These are just a few of the most important ones.
European History Resources
History of the Holocaust (online)
In this course students will study the history of anti-Semitism; the rise of the Nazi party; and the Holocaust, from its beginnings through liberation and the aftermath of the tragedy. The study of the Holocaust is a multi-disciplinary one, integrati...
The Holocaust - An Introduction (I): Nazi Germany: Ideology, The Jews and the World
The Holocaust was an inconceivable historical event, which forever robbed Western culture of its innocence. As civilized human beings, we fail to understand how events of such horror could have taken place, and how an idea so inhumanly warped could h...
A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts | The Great Courses Plus
Learn how England transformed itself from a medieval backwater into the first modern state in this sweeping course on one of the most interesting periods in his...
A History of Eastern Europe
Experience the astounding history of one of the world's most fascinating places, in this course that explains the complicated context of Eastern Europe....