Intro

Europe has a long and complicated history, dating back thousands of years. In this article, we'll take a brief look at some of the major events that have shaped the continent.

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BEFORE CHRIST

Starting around 2000 BCE, the first Indo-European peoples began migrating into the region we now know as Europe. These peoples, the Celtics, Germans, Slavs, and Italics, would go on to form the basis for many of the cultures we see today.

Around 800 BCE, the Phoenicians founded the city of Carthage, which would become a major center of trade and culture in the Mediterranean. Around the same time, the first Greek city-states were founded, including Athens and Sparta.

In the 6th century BCE, the Persian Empire conquered much of the Mediterranean, including the Greek city-states. However, the Persians were eventually defeated by the Greeks in the Greco-Persian Wars.

In the 5th century BCE, the Greeks began colonizing much of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. This period also saw the rise of major Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

In the 4th century BCE, the Macedonian king Alexander the Great conquered much of the Mediterranean and Persian Empires, forming a vast empire that stretched from Greece to India. After his death, this empire was divided into several smaller kingdoms.

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AFTER CHRIST

In the 1st century BCE, the Roman Republic was founded, eventually growing into a huge empire that would come to dominate all of Europe. The Roman Empire reached its height under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century CE.

The Roman Empire fell in the 5th century CE, leading to the Dark Ages, a period of significant political, social, and economic disruption in Europe. The fall of the Roman Empire was brought about by a number of factors, including political turmoil, economic instability, invasions from outside forces, religious conflict, and military weakness. The decline of the empire began in the 3rd century CE and was accelerated in the 5th century, culminating in its ultimate collapse in 476 CE. In this period of decline, it was unable to defend against foreign invasions, to provide effective governance, or to manage its vast territories effectively. The eventual fall of the Roman Empire had a profound impact on the development of Europe, ushering in a period of chaos and disorder that lasted
for centuries.

During the 6th century CE, Christianity spread across much of Europe. The spread of the Christian faith was often tied to the work of missionizing monks, who
traveled far and wide to share the message of Christianity with local populations. During this period, Christian monasteries sprang up across Europe and served
as hubs for the spiritual and cultural life of the local population, who frequently attended church services and participated in various monastic activities. These
monasteries also served as centers of learning, with monks writing and preserving important religious texts and works of theology. Along with helping to spread Christianity, the spread of monasteries during this period also served to bring a level of political, cultural and religious unity to Europe, as different local populations often shared similar beliefs and practices centered around Christian theology.

In the 7th century CE, Islamic forces subdued much of the Middle East, stretching from the Arabian Peninsula to India. These areas had been under the rule of various tribes, empires, and dynasties. As Islam spread in the region, it brought with it an entirely new social and political system.

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RISE OF ISLAM

The Islamic faith, laws, and values replaced existing cultural practices. New Islamic cities were built, and the existing infrastructure was unified and connected. Islamic law (shari'ah) became the basis of government. Power was concentrated in strong central leadership, with caliphs at the top. The expansion of Islam also brought about changes in the region’s economy. The Islamic state encouraged agricultural development and the establishment of trade routes. Islamic coins became the currency of the region, and many Muslims took up business ventures. Islamic civilization allowed for cultural exchange and the sharing of knowledge and ideas, resulting in growth in the fields of science, literature, and the arts. With the spread of education, Islamic philosophy and literature flourished.

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GERMANIC TRIBES & THE FRANKS

Much of what is today the western part of the european continent was controlled by various Germanic tribes. An important development during this period was the establishment of the Frankish Empire under the Merovingian dynasty. The Frankish Empire encompassed territories that are now parts of modern France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The Merovingian kings were initially able to control their vast domains through a combination of military force and diplomacy. Later, during the 8th century, in an effort to centralize authority, the kingdom was divided into administrative regions known as Austrasia, Neustria, and Aquitania. This structure provided a framework for the later development of modern France and other European countries. The Franks also adopted Christianity during this era, and churches and monasteries played a significant role in setting up educational, cultural, and economic networks across Europe. The Franks' conversion to Christianity was also a major driving force behind the creation and spread of Latin culture throughout the region.

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8TH CENTURY: RELIGIOUS INSTABILITY

In the 8th century CE, europe an culture was mainly characterised by the dominance of Christianity and the influence of the Carolingian Empire. Christianity had become the official religion of the Franks, a Germanic tribe, and their Empire had grown to become one of the largest in the region. The Carolingian Empire heavily stressed education, both religious and secular, and during this time several scriptoria were established to promote the spread of knowledge. In particular, Latin was the dominant language of the time and manuscripts were copied and distributed. These texts included histories, legal codes, religious writings, and works of literature. The political landscape of the time was incredibly unstable, with wars and invasions being common. As a result of these wars, Europe saw a great deal of
political and economic upheaval during this time. However, this led to an increase in trade, which allowed Europe to become more cosmopolitan. In addition to Christianity, many pagan and folk beliefs still remained popular in many areas. Europe had a diverse array of cultures, with regular contact and influence from Byzantine, Arab and Chinese cultures.

 

MEDIEVAL PERIOD
From the 9th century CE, up until the 14th century CE, Europe experienced a great intellectual, literary, and artistic period known as the Medieval period. This period was marked by significant advances in architecture, philosophy, education, and the fine arts. Many of the advancements from this period still remain, such as Gothic architecture and illuminated manuscripts. During this period, medieval universities developed and grew in size, which in turn further increased scholastic learning. Education during this period was often centered around faith, scripture, and the Church, which in many ways created a foundation for the modern world. The period also saw great advances in literature, with renowned authors such as Dante and Chaucer. Finally, the period saw great increases in
advances in the arts, with the creation of illuminated manuscripts and the development of Gothic art and architecture. Many of these advancements are still in use today and continue to influence modern art and architecture.

 

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THE RENAISSANCE

In the 15th Century CE, Europe underwent a period of profound change, sometimes known as the Renaissance. This period was marked by advances in science and the arts, an increased interest in humanistic studies, and exploration of the wider world. One of the most notable inventions of the period was the printing press, which allowed books, newspapers and broadsheets to be distributed quickly and cheaply. This marked a revolution in how information was stored and spread, with knowledge now available to a much larger cross-section of society. This had a major impact on cultural production, with books and newspapers serving to spread ideas and information quickly.

Another major development was increased trade and exploration, spurred by new sailing ships with larger cargoes, navigational instruments, and a newfound enthusiasm for the wider world. This led to the exploration of distant lands and their riches, as well as new trading links between Europe and elsewhere in the world, especially Asia and Africa.

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Finally, the period included a huge growth in the power of nation-states, as nation-states, with their organs of taxation, army, and bureaucracy, began toemerge.

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THE GREAT MUSIC EXPLOSION

Once the 16th century arrived, European folk music began to change. This was due to the influence of other musical styles, such as Italian and Spanish music. Many instruments, such as the lute and the recorder, were not native to all countries but were added to many folk music traditions, as were new musical styles, such as the polyphonic instrumental music of the Renaissance. This change also included the introduction of new musical techniques, such as polyrhythm, which allowed for a more intricate playing style. Finally, with the more widespread use of printed music, the ability to have sheet music of one's favorite songs made them more accessible to those who couldn't learn the songs from their elders.

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THE GREAT POPULATION EXPLOSION

In the 17th century, Europe saw an increase in population and trade, a shift towards absolutist monarchies and increasing states, an expansion of colonization and colonization efforts, greater monarchical control over religious affairs, a heightened sense of nationalism, and the Scientific Revolution. These changes had a profound effect on European society and laid the foundations for modern-day Europe.

The population boom saw a surge in cities and towns, which provided greater commercial opportunities, as well as increased migration, leading to increased diversity and richer cultural exchanges. This created an increased sense of competition, which in turn spurred economic growth and advances in technology, including the widespread adoption of the scientific method. The rise of absolutist monarchies led to an increase in centralization and bureaucratization, which made for a more efficient rule but also meant more control for the rulers and their allies. This laid the groundwork for the dominance of powerful nation-states.

Colonization and colonization efforts were taken further during this period. European countries laid claim to vast amounts of land, conducted aggressive campaigns to gain control of resources.

 

RISE OF EMPIRES

During the 18th century, Europe was becoming increasingly influential in the world. The period saw the rise of powerful empires, such as the British Empire and the Russian Empire, and the spread of Enlightenment ideas that would shape the history of the continent for the next century. This period was dominated by the struggle between autocratic monarchies, such as the Bourbon kings of France, and liberal revolutionaries, inspiring the French Revolution in 1789. This period also saw the birth of the modern nation-state, a rise of industry and commerce, and a proliferation of new conceptions of democracy and nationhood. Expansion of overseas empires, including those of Britain and France, brought many areas of the world into closer contact with Europe and facilitated a degree of scientific, technological, and cultural interchange. The European continent also experienced cultural, political, and industrial upheavals. The Industrial
Revolution spread rapidly throughout Europe and profoundly altered life across the continent. The new technology and rapid changes associated with this period also spurred a period of social unrest, culminating in the Revolutions of 1848, a series of uprisings that shook many European countries

 

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BEGINNING OF INDUSTRIALISATION

During the 19th century, Europe underwent a period of rapid industrialization and economic expansion known as the Industrial Revolution. This period saw a massive increase in the production of goods and services through advances in technology, the growth of cities, and the expansion of labor markets. This period saw a shift away from a largely agrarian economy to one based on manufacturing and industry. Several developments contributed to this, such as the invention of the steam engine, the growth of the factory system, and the rise of larger banks and corporations. New processes and techniques, such as the use of interchangeable parts in production, reduced reliance on artisan craftsmen and created efficiencies in most aspects of production. The growth of rail networks further allowed for the quick transport of goods and increased trade both within and outside of Europe.  The Industrial Revolution profoundly changed the lives of millions of citizens in Europe, bringing new opportunities for mobility, prosperity, and emancipation. Working conditions and standards of living improved considerably, as increased wages and greater safety regulations became available. 

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WORLD WARS, DECOLONISATION & FALL OF THE SOVIETS

The 20th century in Europe was marked by two world wars, as well as advances in technology, culture, and politics. During this period, Europe saw the colonization of Africa and much of the Middle East, as well as the decolonization of the same regions in later decades. Europeans also witnessed the rise ofcommunism in many countries, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the spread of the European Union. Additionally, Europe was shaped by rapid economic changes, mass migrations, and transnational movements. Scientists, engineers, and inventors gave humanity new ways of living in the 20th century, and literature, music, and art flourished in this period.

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MODERN ERA

The year 2000 til 2016 in Europe.

2000: The euro is launched and replaces marginal currencies in 12 countries.

2001: The Treaty of Nice is signed, paving the way for the enlargement of the European Union.

2002: Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom adopt the euro as their currency.

2003: Ten new countries join the European Union.

2004: Ten new countries join the European Union, enlarging the body to 25 members and a total population of 450 million.

2005: France and Netherlands reject the proposed European Constitution in closely contested referendums and a new treaty is negotiated without the use of
the constitutional label.

2006: Bulgaria and Romania join the European Union.

2007: Slovenia adopted the euro as its currency.

2008: The Lisbon Treaty is ratified, replacing the 2005 rejected Constitution.

2009: The European Union is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

2010: The EU passes legislation to adopt the euro as the official currency of all member states except the United Kingdom and Denmark.

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2011: The European Union embarks on a major diplomatic initiative to end the conflict in Syria

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In 2011, the European Union began a major diplomatic initiative to end the conflict in Syria. This initiative included diplomatic efforts to encourage a political transition, sanctions targeting those responsible for human rights abuses, and support for local ceasefires and peace negotiations. In October 2011, the European Union announced economic and political sanctions against the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad in response to the escalating violence and human rights abuses. In December of that same year, the European Union launched the "Friends of Syria" initiative to support a process of political change in Syria in consultation with the Syrian opposition and other countries in the region. These efforts resulted in the formation of the Syrian National Council (SNC)
in November and the adoption of a US-backed peace plan in December. The European Union continued to support the peace process through diplomacy and the development of a plan to assist the nation in transitioning to democracy. The European Union and other international actors have also provided humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Syria.

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SLOW DECLINE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

2012-2016 in Europe: During this period, Europe faced several challenges, including an ongoing refugee crisis, economic instability stemming from the Eurozone crisis, a series of terror attacks, government austerity measures, and the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union in 2016. The European Union also sought to counter the rise of populism and nationalism in many of its member states. At the same time, economic growth in the region stabilized and unemployment rates continued to decline. The European Union also completed several landmark initiatives during this period, such as the Digital Single Market, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and various free trade agreements.

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In Europe, 2017 was a period of increased political turmoil as events such as Brexit, the Catalan independence referendum, and the rise of right-wing populismand leftist liberal weakness created divisions in some countries. Other news topics included advances in renewable energy and the ongoing refugee crisis. 

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2018.

Europe in 2018 saw ongoing economic recovery, but was also marked by extreme weather events such as the "Beast from the East" cold wave and dramatic wildfires in Greece. The European Union (EU) also continued to grapple with the implications of Brexit while making progress on climate change and digital
issues.

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2019.

In 2019, Europe was affected by the Brexit process and other political turmoil such as the Yellow Vest protests in France. Ongoing issues with refugees and migrant camps in Greece and Italy also made headlines. As Brexit neared its end, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, struggled with the implications of the coming separation. On a brighter note, the European Union continued to be a pioneer in the climate change movement and its Green Deal received widespread praise. 

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AGE OF ESCALATION

2020 was the year everything changed. The world was on fire, COVID spread, resource shortages were at an all-time high and suicide rates shot up globally by about 34%. Children started becoming overly sexual on social media, all countries became corrupt. Islam spread causing a lot of rape cases and cultural turmoil. Communism was starting to look good to some idiots and people were now obsessed with race and gender, being under the delusion that gender can be chosen, wanting to change the dictionary definitions.

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2021 was the silent year. Everyone started dying and giving up. Tension started escalating globally. The year 2022 in Europe was a year marked by political unrest, protests, and violence mainly in western european countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This unrest was largely due to the increased polarised political and cultural views across the region. The protests and violence erupted after news of increasing economic struggles for most of Europe’s population due to government austerity and pandemic relief measures. The year 2022 marked the first elections of the newly established transnational European political body, the European Parliament, where nationalists and populists made strong gains throughout the continent. This caused discord as the right-wing populist parties pushed for policies that would alter the distinctive European political identity that was formed after WWII. However, it should be noted that right-wing populism wasn't the only group that grew, communist socialists also began to expand their reach. the middle-ground started to disappear. It became clear we're headed for the Gemtocratic age of escalation thesis result. The European Union was
also under pressure due to disagreements with the US on a variety of issues. President Biden's administration had a different approach with regards to otherinternational bodies. Russia invaded Ukraine and suddenly everyone was an expert on Russia.

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This was a brief history of Europe.