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  3. European History

European History

Explore the wars, battles, leaders, civilizations, regimes, prominent figures and major events from the continent that encompasses 2 percent of the Earth’s surface. From Stonehenge to the Great Awakening to the French Revolution to the rise and fall of Communism in Russia, see how Europe’s often tumultuous history unfolded.

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King Charles III inspects the Guard of Honour as he arrives for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, on September 12, 2022, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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King Charles III

King Charles III’s Early Life Born November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George was the first child of then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip and grandson of King George VI. On February 6, 1952, at the age of 3, he became heir-apparent when his mother ascended the throne. At age 4, Charles […]

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Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx During Press Operations(Original Caption) Karl Marx, (1818-1883) and Friedrich Engles (1820-1895), in pressrooms of Rheinische Zeitung which they jointly edited. Undated screened illustration.

Communism Timeline

Since its start a century ago, Communism, a political and economic ideology that calls for a classless society in which everything is shared equally, has seen a series of surges—and declines. What started in 1917 Russia, became a global revolution, taking root in countries as far-flung as China and Korea to Sudan, Cuba and Nicaragua. […]

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The Spanish Armada off the south coast of England, 1588The Spanish Armada off the south coast of England, 1588. Private Collection. Artist : Monogrammist VHE (active ca 1600). (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

Spanish Armada

Philip and Elizabeth King Philip II’s decision to attempt an overthrow of Queen Elizabeth I was several years in the making. Despite their family connections—Philip had once been married to Elizabeth’s half-sister, Mary—the two royals had severe political and religious differences and had engaged in a “cold war” for much of the 1560s and 1570s. […]

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HISTORY: Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II served from 1952 to 2022 as reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

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Origins of the French Revolution

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4:43 minTV-PG
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William Shakespeare

Take a look at the life of one of the most celebrated authors of all time, legendary wordsmith William Shakespeare, in this video.

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4:54 minTV-PG

Adolf Hitler

Take a look at the life and impact of Adolf Hitler, who as leader of the Third Reich orchestrated the the death of 6 million Jews, in this video.

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2:54 minTV-14

What Was the Enlightenment?

The introduction of the scientific method transformed society by using science and reason rather than political or religious dogma to explain natural phenomena.

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4:06 minTV-PG

The Rise and Fall of the Guillotine

See why this device became a preferred form of legal execution during the French Revolution.

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The French Revolution

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7 Key Figures of the French Revolution

These people played integral roles in the uprising that swept through France from 1789-1799.

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A wheat field in Mykolayiv, Ukraine.

Ukraine Has Seen Centuries of Conflict

Ukraine has long endured battles, with Russia’s 2022 invasion only the latest in a series of wars, rebellions, raids and pogroms to take place there.

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Queen Elizabeth II seated on a throne in Westminster Abbey during her coronation on June 2, 1953.

5 Objects Used in British Royal Ceremonies and Their Symbolism

Royal objects appearing in King Charles III’s coronation of are imbued with history.

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Martin Bashir interviews Princess Diana in Kensington Palace in November 1995 for the television program Panorama.

Why Princess Diana’s 1995 BBC Interview Shocked the World

The interview, in which Princess Diana talked about her struggles with mental health and her marriage, rocked the royal family and generated empathy among the public.

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This Day in History

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1717

1st Masonic Grand Lodge formed in London

European History
2018

Prince Harry weds Meghan Markle

European History
2022

Queen Elizabeth II dies; Charles becomes King

European History
1992

Windsor Castle catches fire

European History
1999

Putin becomes acting president of Russia, following Yeltsin’s resignation

European History
1997

Big Ben clock stops at 12:11 p.m. for 43 minutes

European History
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