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.
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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
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Trousers to Tunics: Examining Cultural Interchange and Conflicts Between Celtic and Classical Forces in Ancient Britain
about authorVolume 7 | Issue IV | December 2023
Nolan Wallace
Horace Mann School ’24 | New York, USA
Stanford University ’28
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The Decline of Ecclesiastical Authority in the Italian Healthcare System
about authorVolume 8 | Issue IV | December 2024
Giulia Scolari ’25
The American School in London | London, UK
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Memorialized Identity: An Analysis of Collective Memory in the Weimar Republic
about authorVolume 8 | Issue IV | December 2024
Aumrita Savdharia ’25
Fairmont Preparatory Academy | California, USA
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Why Contribute to European History Research?
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Rich Cultural Heritage
Europe boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. By contributing to this collection, you help preserve and share the unique stories that have shaped the continent.
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Influential Historical Events
Europe’s history, from the Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution, and from the World Wars to the establishment of the European Union, is marked by critical events that have significantly influenced the global stage.
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Diverse Perspectives
European history is not a monolith. It encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including those of different nations, ethnic groups, and social classes. Your research can illuminate diverse viewpoints and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the past.
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Interdisciplinary Insights
European history intersects with various fields such as politics, economics, art, and science. By contributing your research, you can offer interdisciplinary insights that enrich our collective knowledge.
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Contemporary Relevance
Understanding Europe’s history is crucial for addressing contemporary issues. Your work can provide context for current events and help inform policy decisions, cultural dialogues, and educational initiatives.
Subject Recommendations
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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.
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The Rise of Feudalism
Explore how the feudal system structured medieval society, influencing land ownership, social hierarchy, and political power.
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The Crusades
Delve into the series of religious wars that reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Europe and the Middle East.
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The Black Death
Examine the devastating plague that swept through Europe, drastically reducing the population and leading to significant social and economic changes.
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The Renaissance
Discover the cultural rebirth that began in Italy and spread across Europe, fostering advancements in art, science, and humanism.
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Humanism
Understand the intellectual movement that emphasized the value of human potential and achievements, influencing education, politics, and culture.
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Medieval Literature
about authorExplore 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.
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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.
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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.
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Charlemagne
King of the Franks and Lombards, and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, who united much of Western Europe.
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William the Conqueror
The first Norman King of England, whose reign marked significant changes in English culture and governance.
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Thomas Aquinas
An influential philosopher and theologian whose works shaped medieval scholasticism.
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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.
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Henry VIII
King of England who initiated the English Reformation, separating the Church of England from papal authority.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.