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HIS101: History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789 - Herrera

Survey of the history of the Western world from the emergence of Western civilization in the Middle Ages to the start of the French Revolution.

The purpose of this guide is to provide resources and support to the classes HIS101: History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789. It is the survey of the history of the Western World from the emergence of Western civilization in the Middle Ages to the start of the French Revolution.

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Events that Shaped Western Civilization from the Middle Ages to 1789

The period from the Middle Ages to 1789 was filled with significant events that shaped Western civilization. Use the significant events below to locate further information in OneSearch above. Here are some key moments:

Middle Ages (5th to 15th Century)

  1. Fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD): Marked the end of ancient Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages.

  2. Charlemagne's Coronation (800 AD): Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, uniting much of Western Europe under his rule.

  3. The Crusades (1096-1291): A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in the medieval period, aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim rule.

  4. The Black Death (1347-1351): A devastating pandemic that killed an estimated 25-30 million people in Europe, profoundly impacting society and economy.

  5. The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453): A prolonged conflict between England and France, which had significant political and social consequences.

Renaissance (14th to 17th Century)

  1. The Printing Press (1440): Invented by Johannes Gutenberg, it revolutionized the spread of information and knowledge.

  2. The Fall of Constantinople (1453): Marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire, leading to significant cultural and economic shifts.

  3. The Reformation (1517): Initiated by Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, it led to the split of Western Christianity and the establishment of Protestantism.

Early Modern Period (16th to 18th Century)

  1. The Scientific Revolution (1543-1687): A period of great scientific advancements, including the works of Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton.

  2. The Enlightenment (17th to 18th Century): An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing political thought and revolutions.

  3. The American Revolution (1775-1783): The conflict led to the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule, forming the United States of America.

  4. The French Revolution (1789): A period of radical social and political upheaval in France that led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic.

These events collectively contributed to the transformation of Western civilization, laying the groundwork for modern political, social, and cultural developments.