Historical Background
Bubonic Plague: 1337 pandemic that kills 30-60% of Europe’s population. The Renaissance : In 1350 there is an artistic movement through European countries. Protestant Reformation: In 1517 people separate from the Catholic Church and form a Protestant church. The French Revolution: Napoleon took over France and many parts of Europe during 1789-1799. World War I: Global war lasting from 1914-1918. Originated in Europe but it's causes are not very clear. World War II: Hitler and the Nazi party took over parts of Europe which led to another global war from 1939-1945. The Holocaust: A genocide during WWII where the Nazis killed about 6 million jews. Industrial Revolution: Each country became industrialized during different time periods. Most of them had the same result of industry. Cold War: Period of civil tension between powers after WWII involving some countries in Europe, USA, and Soviet Union. Colonial History: Austria: Occupied by Celtic tribes and later claimed by the Roman Empire. When the Roman Empire fell, Austria became the Austrian Empire, part of the German Confederation. In 1156, Vienna became the capital and land was expanded. In the 18th century, Austria experienced much glory after they defeated the Turks. Belgium: Received independence in 1830 from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. They industrialized by trading with South America and Russia but the king had to continue colonization without the support of the Belgian government. France: Greeks, Romans, and Carthaginians established colonies on the Mediterranean coast. Charlemagne took some territory and it became the kingdom of France. After the Hundred year war, France strengthened and became an absolute monarchy. In the late 18th century, the monarchy was overthrown and France became a republic. Germany: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Franks conquered Germany. Charlemagne was crowned emperor over much of Germany and forced all the tribes to convert. During the 10th century, the German kingdom was the most powerful territory in Europe. But it went in decline due to political issues. Germany gradually advanced from then. Liechtenstein: Originally owned by two Roman lords it was founded in 1719 as part of the Roman Empire. In 1866 Liechtenstein became independent. It was a quiet country that was unaffected by its neighboring countries but underwent a quick period of industrialization. Luxembourg: Once part of Charlemagne’s empire. It went back and forth between countries until in 1867, it became neutral territory. Luxembourg joined NATO in 1949. Monaco: Originally founded as a colony in 1215. It was ruled by France for a period of time and became its own government in 1911. In 1918, Monaco had an agreement with France so they would have protection from the French. Netherlands: After the fall of Charlemagne’s empire, Charles of the Habsburg Dynasty introduced taxation onto the Netherlands in 1555. There was a war and in 1648, the Spanish recognized them as an independent country. Switzerland: After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was invaded by Germanic tribes and later became part of Charlemagne's empire. It gained formal independence in 1499. In 1850, it became the second most industrialized country in Europe after Great Britain. |