Genesis of European Empires (1505-1815)

The first stage of the development of European empires (1500-1659) was marked by Spain's dominance and attempts by other powers to gain hegemonic control of the continent. Spain's failure to maintain its position, combined with the end of religious wars, shifted the focus to competition for political and state power, ushering in new alliances and conflicts.

The Treaty of Pyrenees (1659) marked the end of European wars of religion. It shifted the focus of conflict from religious supremacy to competition for political and state power between European nations.

The second stage of the development of European empires (1660-1815) saw France emerge as a major contender for dominance. This period witnessed numerous wars and alliances, culminating in the Congress of Vienna (1815), which aimed to restore balance to Europe after Napoleon's reign.

A political and economic theory that focused on maximizing a nation's wealth through trade and the accumulation of gold and silver. It led to the development of colonial empires and the use of tariffs and subsidies to protect domestic industries.

The Scientific Revolution was a period of major scientific advancements with breakthroughs in astronomy, physics, and mathematics. Key figures like Galileo Galilei, René Descartes, and Isaac Newton transformed scientific thought and laid the groundwork for modern science.

The Italian Wars (1494-1559) were a series of conflicts fought for control of Italian territories. Spain emerged victorious, conquering much of the peninsula.

A series of conflicts between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy in the 16th century. The Ottomans, aiming to expand into Europe, managed to besiege Vienna in 1529, but their advancement was ultimately halted.

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was a major religious conflict between Habsburg territories and Catholic principalities against France, England, and Protestant principalities. It ended with the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which is widely considered the beginning of the modern state system.

The Glorious Revolution (1688-1689) was a bloodless overthrow of King James II in England. A coalition of Parliamentarians and Dutch Prince of Orange established the Bill of Rights, which limited the power of the monarchy and strengthened parliamentary authority.

The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was fought to prevent France and Spain from uniting. This costly conflict, fought on multiple fronts, led to increased taxation on American colonies and ultimately contributed to the American Revolution.

A secret agreement between Britain and France during World War I, dividing the Ottoman Empire into spheres of influence.

The period in Japanese history marked by unification under Ieyasu Tokugawa and isolation from the rest of the world.

The British policy of gaining influence in Persia (Iran) to secure access to oil resources.

This agreement aimed to secure a national home for Jews in Palestine, but was controversial due to its ambiguous wording.

The period of political, social, and economic reforms that modernized Japan in the late 19th Century following its forced opening to the West.

The 19th-century conflict between Britain and Russia for control of Central Asia.

A series of conflicts in China between the Qing dynasty and Great Britain over the Opium Trade.

A term that refers to the expansion of European powers, including Britain, France, and Russia, into Asia and Africa.

The French-controlled territory in Southeast Asia, comprising Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

A period of time in which European powers carved up the Ottoman Empire, leading to the creation of new nation-states in the Middle East.

The American Revolution was a turning point in history, inspiring France to fight for its own freedom and sparking a domino effect of independence movements across the globe. The French Revolution, inspired by American ideals of liberty, equality, and self-governance, would in turn influence revolutionary movements in other parts of the world, shaping the course of human history.

The French Revolution was a turbulent period marked by political upheaval, social unrest, and violence. It began as a struggle against the absolute monarchy and its oppressive policies, but quickly escalated into a chaotic fight for power that saw the execution of the king and the rise of the Reign of Terror.

The French Revolution was a complex and multifaceted event driven by numerous contributing factors. The financial crisis caused by wars and extravagant spending by the monarchy, coupled with the unfair tax burden on the common people, played a major role. The spread of Enlightenment ideas challenging the legitimacy of absolute monarchy, and the inspiring example of the American Revolution, also fanned the flames of dissent.

Napoleon Bonaparte, a brilliant military strategist and ambitious leader, rose to prominence during the French Revolution, utilizing his skills to conquer vast territories and establish a powerful empire. He introduced significant legal and social reforms, but also engaged in aggressive warfare, leading Europe into a series of bloody conflicts.

The Congress of Vienna was an international conference held in 1815 after Napoleon's defeat, aiming to restore order and stability to Europe. Key figures like Metternich, Talleyrand, and Castlereagh sought to re-establish the balance of power, re-install monarchies, and suppress revolutionary ideals.

The Congress of Vienna aimed to restore the balance of power in Europe and prevent the rise of another dominating power like France. This was achieved through a system of alliances, regular diplomatic congresses, and the establishment of the Quadruple Alliance, which pledged to intervene against anyone threatening continental order.

The Congress of Vienna attempted to suppress the spread of Enlightenment ideals, which promoted reason, progress, and individual rights. The goal was to restore traditional monarchies and curb revolutionary movements. The Holy Alliance, formed by Prussia, Russia, and Austria, actively intervened against liberal uprisings across Europe.

Industrialization, characterized by technological advancements, factory systems, and urbanization, led to significant social and economic changes. The rise of the industrial working class, coupled with limited political representation and harsh working conditions, fueled a growing discontent and demand for reform.

The Congress of Vienna failed to account for the enduring power of revolutionary ideals and the rise of national aspirations. The suppression of liberal movements ultimately fueled discontent and furthered the spread of revolutionary ideas, setting the stage for future uprisings and the eventual decline of the conservative order.

The unification of Italy and Germany, two major powers, marked a significant shift in European politics, fueled by nationalistic sentiments. This process of unification involved strategic alliances, military campaigns, and a desire to create unified nations.