European History

Our focus is on the study of European history from the Middle Ages to the early modern era. The early modern period spans from the mid-15th century to the late 18th century, ending before the Industrial Revolution. This period is rich with fascinating events and pivotal figures that have molded our present world.

  • The Tigress: Margaret of Anjou and the Struggle Between Merit and Gender

    Volume 2 | Issue II | June 2018

    Maia Driggers

    Commonwealth School ’19 | Massachusetts, USA

    BA in Medieval Studies and Cinema and Media Studies, magna cum laude

    University of Chicago ’23

  • Trousers to Tunics: Examining Cultural Interchange and Conflicts Between Celtic and Classical Forces in Ancient Britain

    Volume 7 | Issue IV | December 2023

    Nolan Wallace

    Horace Mann School ’24 | New York, USA

    Stanford University ’28

    about author 

  • The Decline of Ecclesiastical Authority in the Italian Healthcare System

    Volume 8 | Issue IV | December 2024

    Giulia Scolari ’25

    The American School in London | London, UK

    about author 

  • Memorialized Identity: An Analysis of Collective Memory in the Weimar Republic

    Volume 8 | Issue IV | December 2024

    Aumrita Savdharia ’25

    Fairmont Preparatory Academy | California, USA

    about author 

  • Defiance and Nationhood: The Montenegrin Struggle Against Ottoman Rule

    Volume 9 | Issue I | March 2025

    Simrat Walia ’26

    Basis Independent Silicon Valley | California, USA

    about author 

  • Theatrical Revolution: Shakespeare and the Rise of Commercial Playhouses in England, 1580-1620

    Volume 9 | Issue I | March 2025

    James Qiu ’26

    University of Toronto Schools | Ontario, Canada

    about author 
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Subject Recommendations

  • The Fall of the Roman Empire

    Understand the decline of one of history’s greatest empires and its impact on the subsequent formation of medieval Europe.

  • The Rise of Feudalism

    Explore how the feudal system structured medieval society, influencing land ownership, social hierarchy, and political power.

  • The Crusades

    Delve into the series of religious wars that reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Europe and the Middle East.

  • The Black Death

    Examine the devastating plague that swept through Europe, drastically reducing the population and leading to significant social and economic changes.

  • The Renaissance

    Discover the cultural rebirth that began in Italy and spread across Europe, fostering advancements in art, science, and humanism.

  • Humanism

    Understand the intellectual movement that emphasized the value of human potential and achievements, influencing education, politics, and culture.

  • Medieval Literature

    Explore the works of Dante Alighieri, Geoffrey Chaucer, and other literary giants whose writings reflect the values and concerns of their time.

    Alex’s interdisciplinary essay explores Troubadours, both male and female, who were medieval poets and musicians crafting and performing songs dedicated to courtly love.

    about author 

  • The Reformation

    Investigate the religious upheaval that led to the fragmentation of the Catholic Church and the rise of Protestantism, altering the religious and political map of Europe. Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses sparked the initial wave of the Reformation, and John Calvin’s theological contributions significantly shaped Protestant thought.

  • Scientific Advancements

    Learn about the contributions of figures such as Johannes Gutenberg, Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei, whose groundbreaking discoveries facilitated the spread of knowledge, challenged traditional views, and laid the groundwork for modern science.

  • Charlemagne

    King of the Franks and Lombards, and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, who united much of Western Europe.

  • William the Conqueror

    The first Norman King of England, whose reign marked significant changes in English culture and governance.

  • Thomas Aquinas

    An influential philosopher and theologian whose works shaped medieval scholasticism.

  • Niccolò Machiavelli

    A Renaissance political philosopher and statesman, best known for his treatise “The Prince.” His ideas on power, statecraft, and realpolitik have profoundly impacted political thought and practice.

  • Henry VIII

    King of England who initiated the English Reformation, separating the Church of England from papal authority.

  • Elizabeth I

    The last monarch of the Tudor dynasty, whose reign is known as the Elizabethan Era, marked by flourishing English drama and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

  • Notable Women

    Delve into the lives of the distinguished women who played instrumental roles in shaping the course of European history through their leadership, courage, and influence.

  • Joan of Arc: A peasant girl who led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War.

    Isabella I of Castile: Queen of Castile who, along with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon, completed the Reconquista and sponsored Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage.

  • Eleanor of Aquitaine: A prominent figure of the Middle Ages, she served as queen consort of both France and England, significantly influencing the politics and culture of medieval Europe.

    Catherine de’ Medici: Queen consort of France and a powerful political figure during the French Wars of Religion.

We look forward to your contributions as we continue to broaden our knowledge of this significant era in our collective heritage.

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