European History from Renaissance to Modern

European History Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

• Renaissance: revival of classical learning, humanism, artistic achievements (14th-17th centuries).
• Reformation: religiousaval initiated by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (1517), leading to Protestantism.
• Scientific Revolution: heliocentric model by Copernicus, Galileo’s telescopic discoveries, scientific method development.
• Enlightenment: emphasis on reason, individual, social contract; key philosophers include Locke and Rousseau.
• French Revolution: 1789 start, causes include inequality and debt; phases: moderate, radical, Napoleonic; outcomes include end of monarchy.
• Industrial Revolution: began in Britain, late 18th century; mechanization of textiles, urbanization, social impacts.
• 19th-century nationalism: unification of Italy (1861) and Germany (1871), decline of empires.
• Imperialism: motives include economic gain, strategic advantage; Scramble for Africa, colonial rivalries.
• World War I: 1914-1918; causes include militarism, alliances, assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
• Treaty of Versailles: 1919; imposed reparations on Germany, redrew borders, sowed seeds for WWII.
• World War II: 1939-1945; caused by expansionism, fascism; Holocaust, global destruction.
• Cold War: 1947-1991; ideological conflict, nuclear arms race, proxy wars, fall of Berlin Wall (1989).
• Post-1945: European integration (ECSC 1951, EU), decolonization, modern geopolitical shifts.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components