European History For Dummies

A look through Europe′s rich history, from the origins of a continent to the modern day Whether you′re a seasoned history buff or a complete novice, European History For Dummies is the perfect guide to the history of a continent full of passion, power and intrigue. From Roman relics and the Renaissance to World Wars and Eurovision, take a fascinating journey through the disasters, triumphs, power struggles and politics that have shaped the Europe we know today. Brimming with facts and stories to bring the past alive, this new edition provides updated information on Europe and its transformation in the 21st century. European History For Dummies packs in the facts alongside the fun and brings the past alive. In the beginning – a look into the origins of the continent, the first Europeans and Europe in the Stone Age Your ancient history – discover Greek city states and learn about the turbulent times of the Roman Empire A light at the end of the tunnel – tour through the Dark Ages and into medieval Europe with the Holy Roman Emperors, Popes and crusaders New ideas and new worlds – the Ottoman Empire, the Reformation, the Renaissance and the New World Rise to the top – watch on as Europe leads the industrial revolution and exerts its control and domination over the world Torn apart – revolutions and World Wars tear the continent apart at the seams Open the book and find: Stone Age to Information Age coverage Greeks and Romans running amok Castles, knights and the Black Death The Reformation and the resulting ruckus Napoleon – of course The French Revolution and the rise of nationalism Europe and the Age of Empire Two World Wars and a revolution in Russia A colour section packed withhistorical images Learn to: Battles and wars that divided Europe Kings, queens and an assortment of dictators Europe′s growth as an industrial superpower The historical foundations of the European Union

Introduction. Part I: Origins of a Continent. Chapter 1: Not So Much a Continent, More a Way of Life. Chapter 2: The Stone Age Rocks. Part II: Europe of the Ancients. Chapter 3: You’re Ancient History! Chapter 4: The Ups and Downs of the Roman Empire. Part III: Middle Ages. Chapter 5: Dancing in the Dark Ages. Chapter 6: Gold, Murder, and Frankish Sense. Chapter 7: Knock, Knock, Knocking Heads at Heaven′s Door. Chapter 8: Don′t Call Us Medieval! Part IV: New Ideas, New Worlds. Chapter 9: Back to the Future: The Renaissance. Chapter 10: Reformation Ruckus. Chapter 11: Mass and Massacre: The Wars of Religion. Chapter 12: Tsar Wars. Chapter 13: Absolute Power: The Sun King Rises. Part V: Europe Rules the World. Chapter 14: The (Almost) Irresistible Rise of France and Russia. Chapter 15: Seeking Enlightenment. Chapter 16: France Catches a Cold – and We′re All Still Sneezing. Chapter 17: Grime Wave: Europe Gets Industrial. Chapter 18: Building Nations. Part VI: Europe Tears Itself in Two. Chapter 19: Europe′s Age of Empire. Chapter 20: The War to End All Wars – Doesn′t. Chapter 21: Revolution in Russia. Chapter 22: Europe Goes to Extremes. Chapter 23: World War to Cold War. Chapter 24: Eurovision. Chapter 25: New Millennium: New Europe. Part VII: The Par t of Tens. Chapter 26: Ten Europeans Who Dominated the Continent. Chapter 27: Ten Days That Shook Europe – and the World. Chapter 28: Ten Places (apart from Naples) to See Before You Die. Chapter 29: Ten Things Europe (and the World) Could Have Done Without. Index.

Seán Lang , PhD, is the author of the bestselling British History For Dummies , now in its third edition. He is a senior university lecturer in history and has been teaching history to school, college and university students for more than two decades.