Europe

:This article is about the continent. For other meanings, see Europe (disambiguation).

History

Main article: History of Europe

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Europe has a long history of cultural and economic achievement, starting as far back as the Palaeolithic. The recent discovery at Monte Poggiolo, Italy, of thousands of hand-shaped stones, tentatively carbon-dated to 800,000 years ago, may prove to be of particular importance.

Related Topics:
Palaeolithic - Monte Poggiolo - Italy

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The origins of Western democratic and individualistic culture are often attributed to Ancient Greece, though numerous other distinct influences, in particular Christianity, can also be credited with the spread of concepts like egalitarianism and universality of law.

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The Roman Empire divided the continent along the Rhine and Danube for several centuries. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Europe entered a long period of changes arising from what is known as the Age of Migrations. That period has been known as the "Dark Ages" to Renaissance thinkers, and as the "Middle Ages" to Enlightenment and modern historians. During this time, isolated monastic communities in Ireland and elsewhere carefully safeguarded and compiled knowledge accumulated previously. The Renaissance and the New Monarchs marked the start of a period of discovery, exploration, and increase in scientific knowledge. In the 15th century Portugal opened the age of discoveries, soon followed by Spain. They were later joined by France, the Netherlands and Great Britain in building large colonial empires with vast holdings in Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

Related Topics:
Roman Empire - Rhine - Danube - Decline of the Roman Empire - Age of Migrations - Dark Ages - Renaissance - Middle Ages - Enlightenment - Ireland - New Monarchs - 15th century - Portugal - Spain - France - Netherlands - Great Britain - Africa - The Americas - Asia

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After the age of discovery, the ideas of democracy took hold in Europe. Struggles for independence arose, most notably in France during the period known as the French Revolution. This led to vast upheaval in Europe as these revolutionary ideas propagated across the continent. The rise of democracy led to increased tensions within Europe on top of the tensions already existing due to competition within the New World. The most famous of these conflicts was when Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power and set out on a conquest, forming a new French empire that soon collapsed. After these conquests Europe stabilised, but the old foundations were already beginning to crumble.

Related Topics:
Democracy - France - French Revolution - New World - Napoleon Bonaparte

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The Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain in the late 18th century, leading to a move away from agriculture, much greater general prosperity and a corresponding increase in population. Many of the states in Europe took their present form in the aftermath of World War I. From the end of World War II through the end of the Cold War, Europe was divided into two major political and economic blocks: Communist nations in Eastern Europe and capitalist countries in Western Europe. Around 1990, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Eastern bloc disintegrated.

Related Topics:
Industrial Revolution - Great Britain - 18th century - Aftermath of World War I - World War II - Cold War - Communist - Eastern Europe - Capitalist - Western Europe - 1990 - Berlin Wall - Eastern bloc

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