Octavian Becomes Augustus, Marking the End of the Roman Republic
Year: -27
Category: Politics
the Roman Senate votes Octavian the title of Augustus. Augustus eventually assumes all authority formerly held by the Roman senate becoming the first emperor. This is traditionally taken as the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Principate (27 BC-AD 235).
Tags: Roman Empire, Principate, Augustus, Ancient rome, Republic, Emperor, Political Transition, Imperialism, Governance
Augustus Fortifies the Rhine Limes
Year: -13
Category: Warfare & Military
16-13 BC: Augustus establishes the Rhine limes.
Tags: Roman Empire, Military History, Fortifications, Border Defense, Augustus, Limes, Ancient rome, Expansionism, Military Strategy
Tiberius Suppresses Germanic Rebellions
Year: 1
Category: Warfare & Military
Tiberius, under order of Emperor Augustus, quells revolts in Germania (AD 1–5).
Tags: Roman Empire, Tiberius, Augustus, Military Campaign, Rebellion, Ancient rome, Expansionism
Roman-Cherusci Non-Aggression Pact & Auxiliary Recruitment
Year: 4
Category: Politics
A pact of non-aggression and friendship is signed between the Roman Empire, represented by Tiberius, and the German tribe the Cherusci, represented by their King Segimer. Arminius and Flavus, sons of Segimer, are brought into the Roman army as leaders of the auxiliary troops.
Tags: Roman Empire, Tiberius, Arminius, Diplomacy, Germanic Tribes, Military
Cimbri and Charydes Ambassadors Arrive in Rome
Year: 5
Category: Politics
The Germanic tribes of Cimbri and Charydes send ambassadors to Rome.
Tags: Ancient rome, Germanic Tribes, Diplomacy, Barbarians, Cimbri
Tiberius Subjugates Germania Inferior
Year: 5
Category: Warfare & Military
Tiberius conquers Germania Inferior.
Tags: Roman Empire, Tiberius, Military Campaign, Ancient rome, Conquest
Roman Fort Construction Marks Wiesbaden's Origin
Year: 6
Category: Warfare & Military
The building of a Roman fort signifies the origin of the city of Wiesbaden.
Tags: Roman Empire, Fortification, Military History, Frontier, Colonialism, Ancient rome, Urban Development, Construction
Varus Appointed Governor of Germania, Implementing Roman Rule
Year: 7
Category: Politics
Publius Quinctilius Varus is appointed governor of Germania, charged with organizing Germania between the Rhine and Elbe rivers. He carries out a census, devises tributes and recruits soldiers, all of which creates dissension among the Germanic tribes.
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Roman Governance, Colonialism, Province, Tribes, Varus
Battle of the Teutoburg Forest: Roman Legions Ambushed and Destroyed
Year: 9
Category: Warfare & Military
AD 9: In the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, Germanic tribes led by Arminius ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions, resulting in the loss of the legions' standards and the death of Roman general Varus. This devastating defeat prompted the deployment of additional legions to Germania.
Tags: Roman Empire, Battle, Military History, Arminius, Ancient rome, Germanic Tribes, Imperialism
Death of Roman General Publius Quinctilius Varus
Year: 9
Category: Warfare & Military
AD 9, September 15 – Publius Quinctilius Varus, Roman general (b. 46 BC)
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Military History, Varus, Germanic Tribes, Military Defeat, Rebellion
Emergence of Distinct Teutonic Tribal Identities
Year: 10
Category: Society & Culture
Differentiation of localized Teutonic tribes of the Irminones.
Tags: Tribalism, Germanic Peoples, Social History
Germanicus Secures Germania Inferior and the Rhine
Year: 11
Category: Warfare & Military
Germania Inferior and the Rhine are secured by Germanicus.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanicus, Ancient rome, Rhine River, Military Campaign, Frontier Defense, Pax Romana
Augustus Shifts Roman Border Policy: Rhine and Danube Prioritized
Year: 11
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Augustus abandons his plan to create a defensive border at the Elbe, in order to reinforce the Roman defenses along the Rhine and the Danube.
Tags: Roman Empire, Augustus, Military Strategy, Border Defense, Rhine River, Danube River, Ancient rome, Pax Romana
Roman Invasion of Germania
Year: 12
Category: Warfare & Military
Augustus orders a major invasion of Germany beyond the Rhine.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Military Campaign, Ancient rome, Augustus, Border Conflicts
Emperor Augustus Conducts Third Census
Year: 13
Category: Politics
Emperor Augustus initiates his third census of the Roman Empire after 20 years.
Tags: Roman Empire, Augustus, Census, Governance, Administration, Taxation, Population, Ancient rome, Political History
Roman Census Reports Citizen Count
Year: 14
Category: Politics
Augustus' third (and final) 20-year census of the Roman Empire reports a total of 4,973,000 citizens.
Tags: Roman Empire, Census, Augustus, Governance, Population, Ancient rome, Administration, Citizenship
Tiberius Becomes Roman Emperor
Year: 14
Category: Politics
September 18 – Tiberius succeeds his stepfather Augustus as Roman emperor.
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Emperor, Tiberius, Augustus, Succession
Rhenish Legions Mutiny and Germanicus's Intervention
Year: 14
Category: Warfare & Military
Legions on the Rhine mutiny after the death of Augustus; Germanicus restores discipline amongst the legions.
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Mutiny, Germanicus, Military History, Rhine River, Succession
Germanicus Appointed Commander in Germany
Year: 14
Category: Warfare & Military
Germanicus is appointed commander of the forces in Germany, beginning a campaign that will end in 16.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanicus, Military Campaign, Ancient rome, Wars and Conflicts
Germanicus Massacres the Marsi
Year: 14
Category: Warfare & Military
Germanicus leads a brutal raid against the Marsi, a German tribe on the upper Ruhr river, who are massacred.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanicus, Ancient rome, Germanic Tribes, Military Campaign, Conquest, Warfare, Atrocity
Germanicus Captures Thusnelda
Year: 15
Category: Warfare & Military
May – As part of his campaign against the Germanic peoples, Germanicus captures Thusnelda, wife of Arminius.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanicus, Arminius, Military Campaign, Conflict, Warfare
Germanicus' Campaigns in Germania and Recovery of Roman Standards
Year: 15
Category: Warfare & Military
Summer – Germanicus launches a two-pronged attack from Vetera and Moguntiacum. On his return journey, he recaptures the aquila of Legio XIX and visits the battlefield of the Teutoburg Forest. Germanicus arranges the burial for the remains of Varus' army.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanicus, Ancient rome, Military Campaign, Imperial Expansion
Germanicus Victorious at Idistaviso, Recovers Varus' Eagles
Year: 16
Category: Warfare & Military
A Roman army of 50,000 men commanded by Germanicus gains a great victory at Idistaviso, defeating the German war chief Arminius, and recovering the lost eagles of Varus' legions.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Germanicus, Arminius, Battle, Military History, Ancient rome, Varus
Germanicus Celebrates Triumph in Rome
Year: 17
Category: Warfare & Military
May 26 – Germanicus returns to Rome as a conquering hero; he celebrates a triumph for his victories over the Cherusci, Chatti and other Germanic tribes west of the Elbe.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanicus, Ancient rome, Military History
Catualda Overthrows Maroboduus, Ending Marcomanni Threat
Year: 19
Category: Politics
Maroboduus, king of the Marcomanni, is deposed by Catualda. This ends the threat to the Romans from Germanic tribes until the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Rome places them under its protection.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Marcomanni, Political Intrigue, Barbarian Invasions, Ancient rome, Tribal Politics
Roman Legions Transported to Flevum to Suppress Frisians
Year: 28
Category: Warfare & Military
Roman legions in Germania are transported by fleet to the fortress of Flevum on the Rhine, to operate against the rebellious Frisians.
Tags: Roman Empire, Frisians, Military Campaign, Roman Legions, Rhineland, Rebellion, Ancient rome, Fortification
Frisians Negotiate Treaty with Roman Empire
Year: 28
Category: Politics
The Frisians negotiate a treaty with the Roman Empire at the River Rhine, avoiding conquest.
Tags: Roman Empire, Frisians, Treaty, Diplomacy, Frontier, Ancient rome, Negotiation
Birth of Gaius Julius Civilis
Year: 29
Category: Warfare & Military
Gaius Julius Civilis, Batavian military leader
Tags: Roman Empire, Rebellion, Ancient rome, Military History
Arminius's Death
Year: 29
Category: Warfare & Military
Arminius, Germanic military leader (b. 18/17 BC)
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Military Leadership, Rebellion, Arminius, Tribal Warfare
Caligula Levies Legions for German Frontier
Year: 39
Category: Warfare & Military
Legio XV Primigenia and XXII Primigenia are levied by Caligula for the German frontier.
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Military, Caligula, Military Recruitment
Caligula's Failed German Campaign and Triumph
Year: 39
Category: Warfare & Military
Caligula's campaign into Germany is stopped by a conspiracy led by Cassius Chaerea. Even though he never even reaches Germany, Caligula proclaims himself victorious and orders a triumph.
Tags: Roman Empire, Military History, Emperor, Caligula, Triumph, Conspiracy, Ancient rome
Maroboduus's Death and the End of His Kingdom's Potential
Year: 39
Category: Politics
Maroboduus, king of the Marcomanni (b. c. 30 BC)
Tags: Marcomanni, Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Tribal Politics, Imperialism, Decentralization
Roman Defense Against Germanic Attack Across the Rhine
Year: 41
Category: Warfare & Military
An attack across the Rhine by the Germans is stopped by the Romans.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Rhine River, Military History, Border Conflicts, Ancient rome, Defense, Barbarian Invasions
Corbulo's Command in Germania Inferior and Military Campaigns
Year: 47
Category: Warfare & Military
Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo is made commander of the Roman army in Germania Inferior. He conquers the Chauci and fights against the Cherusci and Frisians.
Tags: Roman Empire, Military History, Ancient rome, Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, Tribes, Warfare, Frontier Defense
Gannascus's Piracy and Suppression of the Frisian Revolt
Year: 47
Category: Warfare & Military
Cauci pirates led by the Roman deserter Gannascus ravage the Gallic coast; Corbulo uses the Rhine fleet against them. The Frisian revolt is suppressed.
Tags: Roman Empire, Corbulo, Frisians, Piracy, Naval Warfare, Rebellion, Ancient rome
Cologne Granted City Status
Year: 50
Category: Politics
Cologne is raised to the status of a city.
Tags: Roman Empire, Urbanization, Ancient rome, Imperial Administration, Political History
Pliny the Elder's Account of German Wars Published
Year: 52
Category: Literature
Pliny the Elder writes his account of the German wars.
Tags: Roman Empire, Literature, History, Ancient rome, Pliny the Elder, Military History
Tribal Conflict in Thuringia over Water Rights
Year: 58
Category: Warfare & Military
In Thuringia conflict between two Germanic tribes erupts over access to water.
Tags: Tribal Warfare, Germanic Tribes, Conflict, Resource Scarcity, Iron Age
Gaius Julius Vindex's Revolt Against Nero Begins
Year: 67
Category: Politics
Gaius Julius Vindex revolts, first in a series of revolts that lead to Nero's downfall.
Tags: Roman Empire, Rebellion, Civil War, Nero, Ancient rome, Imperial Crisis, Political Instability
Roman Legions in Germania Superior Rebel Against Galba, Proclaim Vitellius Emperor
Year: 69
Category: Warfare & Military
January 1 – The Roman legions in Germania Superior refuse to swear loyalty to Galba. They rebel and proclaim Vitellius as emperor.
Tags: Roman Empire, Civil War, Military, Rebellion, Emperor, Galba, Vitellius, Ancient rome
Batavian Revolt Begins
Year: 69
Category: Warfare & Military
August 1 – Batavian rebellion: The Batavians in Germania Inferior (Netherlands) revolt under the leadership of Gaius Julius Civilis.
Tags: Roman Empire, Batavians, Rebellion, Military History
Germanic Warbands Attack Mainz
Year: 69
Category: Warfare & Military
German warbands cross over to join the revolt and attack the fortress at Mainz.
Tags: Roman Empire, Germanic Tribes, Rebellion, Civil War, Military Conflict, Batavian Revolt
Batavian Revolt: Destruction of Roman Forts
Year: 69
Category: Warfare & Military
The Batavians attack Roman forts on the Rhine frontier; Fectio and Traiectum (modern Utrecht) are destroyed.
Tags: Roman Empire, Batavians, Rebellion, Frontier, Military History, Ancient rome, Rhine
Batavian Naval Clashes on the Rhine and Roman Captives at Trier
Year: 70
Category: Warfare & Military
Naval clashes on the Rhine during the Batavian Revolt; the crew of a captured Roman flagship is imprisoned at Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier).
Tags: Roman Empire, Batavian Revolt, Naval Warfare, Military History, Rhineland, Rebellion, Conflict
Batavian Rebellion: Roman Legions Defeated and Suppressed
Year: 70
Category: Warfare & Military
Roman legions V Alaudae and XV Primigenia are destroyed by the Batavi. Later, Quintus Petillius Cerialis puts down the Batavian rebellion of Gaius Julius Civilis.
Tags: Roman Empire, Rebellion, Military History, Ancient rome, Warfare
Vespasian Disbands Rhine Legions After Civilis Revolt
Year: 70
Category: Warfare & Military
Vespasian disbands four Rhine legions (I Germanica, IV Macedonica, XV Primigenia and XVI Gallica), disgraced for having surrendered or lost their eagles during the revolt of Julius Civilis.
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Military History, Vespasian, Rebellion, Rhine, Military Reform
Cerialis Defeats Civilis at Treves, Ending Batavian Revolt
Year: 71
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Treves: Cerialis defeats Claudius Civilis, thus quelling the Batavian rebellion.
Tags: Roman Empire, Batavian Revolt, Ancient rome, Rebellion, Military History
Vespasian's Expansion and Frontier Defense Reorganization
Year: 73
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Vespasian begins conquest of territory east of the upper Rhine and south of the Main. In addition, he reorganizes the defenses of the upper and lower Danube.
Tags: Roman Empire, Military History, Imperial Expansion, Frontier Defense, Vespasian, Ancient rome, Danube River, Rhine River
Black Forest Region Reincorporated into Roman Empire
Year: 74
Category: Politics
The Black Forest region is reattached to the Roman Empire.
Tags: Roman Empire, Expansion, Territorial Control, Military, Imperialism, Ancient rome
Domitian Becomes Roman Emperor, Solidifying Monarchy
Year: 81
Category: Politics
Domitian became emperor on September 14, solidifying the monarchy and shocking the aristocracy by taking the title "Dominus." His reign saw increased Romanization in the provinces and the rise of provincial senators.
Tags: Roman Empire, Domitian, Emperor, Monarchy, Ancient rome, Romanization, Provinces, Imperialism
Domitian Forms Legio I Minervia
Year: 82
Category: Warfare & Military
Domitian levies Legio I Minervia.
Tags: Roman Empire, Legion, Military, Domitian, Ancient rome, Frontier Defense, Military History
Domitian's Victory Over the Chatti and Rhine Fortifications
Year: 83
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Domitian fights the Chatti, a Germanic tribe. His victory allows the construction of fortifications (Limes) along the Rhine-frontier.
Tags: Roman Empire, Military History, Limes, Domitian, Ancient Warfare, Fortification
Construction of the Limes Fortification Begins
Year: 84
Category: Warfare & Military
The construction of the limes, a line of Roman fortifications from the Rhine to the Danube, has begun.
Tags: Roman Empire, Fortifications, Military Engineering, Border Defense, Infrastructure, Ancient rome, Limes, Military
Trajan's Campaign Against Germanic Tribes Begins
Year: 86
Category: Warfare & Military
Roman general (and future emperor) Trajan begins a campaign to crush an uprising in Germania.
Tags: Roman Empire, Trajan, Military Campaign, Ancient rome, Expansionism
Trajan Appointed Governor of Upper Germany
Year: 96
Category: Politics
Marcus Ulpius Traianus becomes governor of Upper Germany.
Tags: Roman Empire, Governorship, Military, Administrative Divisions, Ancient rome, Trajan
Emperor Nerva Adopts Trajan as Successor
Year: 97
Category: Politics
October 28 – Emperor Nerva recalls his general Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, age 44, from the German frontier and is forced by the Praetorian Guard to adopt him as his successor.
Tags: Roman Empire, Emperor, Succession, Ancient rome, Trajan, Nerva, Military, Adoption
Trajan Grants Ladenburg City Status
Year: 98
Category: Politics
Trajan elevates Ladenburg to city status (civitas).
Tags: Roman Empire, Trajan, Urbanization, Governance, Ancient rome
Nerva's Reign (begun AD 96)
Year: 99
Category: Politics
Nerva, Roman Emperor (AD 96–98)
Tags: Roman Empire, Emperor, Nerva, Ancient rome, Imperialism, Governance, Roman Emperors, Pax Romana
Marcomannic Wars Begin
Year: 166
Category: Warfare & Military
– 180: Marcomannic Wars.
Tags: Roman Empire, Ancient rome, Barbarian Invasions, Warfare, Military Conflict, Frontier Defense, Marcomanni, Quadi
Commodus Begins Reign as Roman Emperor
Year: 180
Category: Politics
– 192: Reign of Commodus, Roman emperor.
Tags: Roman Empire, Emperor, Ancient rome, Imperial Rule, Antiquity, Roman Emperors
Roman Citizenship Extended to Freeborn Men
Year: 212
Category: Society & Culture
Constitutio Antoniniana grants citizenship to all free Roman men.
Tags: Roman Empire, Citizenship, Social Reform, Legal History, Ancient rome, Political Development, Imperialism, Integration
Theodosius I's Death Leads to Permanent Roman Empire Split
Year: 395
Category: Politics
Roman emperor Theodosius I dies, causing the Roman Empire to split permanently.
Tags: Roman Empire, Succession, Western Roman Empire, Eastern Roman Empire, Emperor, Governance
Barbarian Invasions: Suebi, Alans, and Vandals Cross the Rhine
Year: 406
Category: Warfare & Military
The eastern frontier of the Western Roman Empire collapses as waves of Suebi, Alans, and Vandals cross the then-frozen river Rhine near Mainz and enter Gaul.
Tags: Roman Empire, Barbarian Invasions, Vandals, Suebi, Military History
Clovis I Ascends to the Frankish Throne
Year: 481
Category: Politics
Clovis I becomes King of the Western Franks upon the death of Childeric I.
Tags: Frankish Kingdom, Merovingian Dynasty, Monarchy, Succession, Germanic Tribes, Clovis I
Clovis I Subjugates Thuringia
Year: 491
Category: Warfare & Military
King Clovis I defeats and subjugates the Kingdom of Thuringia in Germany.
Tags: Frankish Kingdom, Clovis I, Germanic Tribes, Conquest, Expansionism, Monarchy, Merovingian Dynasty
Clovis I Unifies Northern Gaul
Year: 494
Category: Politics
Northern Gaul is united under the Frankish King Clovis I, founder of the Merovingian dynasty.
Tags: Frankish Kingdom, Clovis I, Merovingian Dynasty, Kingdom Formation, Political Unification, Frankish Empire
Charlemagne's Saxon Wars Begin
Year: 772
Category: Warfare & Military
804: Charlemagne invades what is now northwestern Germany, battling the Saxons for more than thirty years and finally crushing their rebellion, incorporating Saxony into the Frankish Empire and the Christian world.
Tags: Charlemagne, Frankish Empire, Military Conflict, Religious Conversion, Expansionism, Holy Roman Empire
Frisian Defeat Ends Frisian-Frankish Wars
Year: 793
Category: Warfare & Military
The Frisian–Frankish wars come to an end with the last uprising of the Frisians.
Tags: Frisians, Franks, Carolingian Empire, Military History, Warfare, Territorial Expansion, Political Consolidation
Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 800
Category: Politics
On Christmas Day, Charlemagne is crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne, Catholicism, Carolingian Dynasty, Emperor, Church and State
Death of Emperor Charlemagne
Year: 814
Category: Politics
Charlemagne dies in the city of Aachen.
Tags: Charlemagne, Holy Roman Empire, Carolingian Dynasty, Frankish Kingdom, Emperor, Succession, Political Leadership
Death of Louis the Pious, Emperor of the Franks
Year: 840
Category: Politics
Death of Louis the Pious.
Tags: Carolingian Dynasty, Holy Roman Empire, Succession, Frankish Empire, Medieval Politics, European History, Fragmentation
Carolingian Empire Split by Treaty of Verdun
Year: 843
Category: Politics
The Carolingian Empire is at its height in territory and area. The three sons of Louis the Pious reach an agreement known as the Treaty of Verdun and split the Carolingian empire into three divisions; East Francia was given to Louis the German, West Francia to Charles the Bald and Middle Francia to Lothair I.
Tags: Treaty, Carolingian Empire, Succession, Fragmentation
Carolingian Empire Dissolves After Charles the Fat's Death
Year: 888
Category: Politics
The Carolingian Empire declines and falls after the death of Charles the Fat.
Tags: Carolingian Dynasty, Empire, Decline and Fall, Fragmentation, Succession, Political Instability, Feudalism
Hungarian Victory at the Battle of Pressburg
Year: 907
Category: Warfare & Military
Three German armies led by Luitpold, Margrave of Bavaria, which entered the Hungarian territory in order to expel the Hungarians from the Carpathian Basin, is annihilated by the Hungarian army at the Battle of Pressburg.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Battle, Military History, Invasion, Expansionism
Otto I's Victory at the Battle of Lechfeld
Year: 955
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Lechfeld (10 August 955) sees a decisive victory for Otto I the Great, King of the Germans, over the Hungarian harka Bulcsú and the chieftains Lél (Lehel) and Súr.
Tags: Battle, Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Warfare, German History, Hungarian History, Military Victory, Invasion
Hungarian Victory over Holy Roman Empire: Land Cessions
Year: 1030
Category: Warfare & Military
Stephen I of the Kingdom of Hungary defeats Conrad II of the Holy Roman Empire; after the war, Conrad had ceded the lands between the rivers Leitha and Fischa to Hungary in the summer of 1031.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Warfare, Territorial Disputes
Henry IV Defeats Saxons at Langensalza
Year: 1075
Category: Warfare & Military
Henry IV suppresses the rebellion of Saxony in the First Battle of Langensalza.
Tags: Middle Ages, Holy Roman Empire, Henry IV, Saxony, Rebellion, Battle, Military History, German History, Feudalism, Conflict
Boleslaus III Defeats Henry V at the Battle of Hundsfeld
Year: 1109
Category: Warfare & Military
On August 24, in the Battle of Hundsfeld, Boleslaus III Wrymouth defeats Emperor Henry V of Germany and stops German expansion eastward.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Battle, Polish History, German History, Military History, Territorial Disputes, Henry V
Henry V Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 1111
Category: Politics
On April 14, during Henry V's first expedition to Rome, he is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Henry V, Middle Ages, Catholicism, Emperor, Coronation, Imperialism
Concordat of Worms Ends Investiture Controversy
Year: 1122
Category: Politics
On September 23, the Concordat of Worms (Pactum Calixtinum) is drawn up between Emperor Henry V and Pope Calixtus II bringing an end to the first phase of the power struggle between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
Tags: Middle Ages, Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Investiture Controversy, Church and State, Henry V, Treaty, Diplomacy
Lothair of Supplinburg Elected Holy Roman Emperor, Sparking Guelph-Ghibelline Conflict
Year: 1125
Category: Politics
Lothair of Supplinburg, duke of Saxony, is elected Holy Roman Emperor instead of the nearest heir, Frederick of Swabia, beginning the great struggle between Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Succession, Emperor, Dynastic Conflict
Wendish Crusade: Christian Forces Attack Polabian Slavs
Year: 1147
Category: Warfare & Military
The Wendish Crusade against the Polabian Slavs (or "Wends") in what is now northern and eastern Germany.
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Christianity, Slavs, Denmark, Holy Roman Empire, Religious Conflict, Expansionism
Treaty of Constance: Frederick I and Eugene III Forge Alliance
Year: 1153
Category: Politics
The First Treaty of Constance is signed between Emperor Frederick I and Pope Eugene III, by the terms of which, the emperor is to prevent any action by Manuel I Comnenus to reestablish the Byzantine Empire on Italian soil and to assist the pope against his enemies in revolt in Rome.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick I, Medieval Politics, Treaty, Byzantine Empire, Diplomacy
Valdemar I of Denmark Captures Arkona Fortress
Year: 1168
Category: Warfare & Military
King Valdemar I of Denmark conquers Arkona on the Island of Rügen, the strongest pagan fortress and temple in northern Europe.
Tags: Vikings, Danish History, Conquest, Fortification, Paganism, Christianization, Religious Conflict
Battle of Legnano: Lombard League Defeats Frederick Barbarossa
Year: 1176
Category: Warfare & Military
On May 29, Frederick Barbarossa's forces are defeated in the Battle of Legnano by the Lombard League which results in the emperor's acknowledgment of the pope's sovereignty over the Papal States and Alexander acknowledging the emperor's overlordship of the imperial Church.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Warfare, Frederick Barbarossa, Lombard League, Papal States, Battle, Political Conflict, Church and State
Treaty of Venice: Papal Victory over Emperor Frederick I
Year: 1177
Category: Politics
The Treaty or Peace of Venice is signed by the papacy and its allies, and Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor. The Norman Kingdom of Sicily also participates in negotiations and the treaty thereby determines the political course of all of Italy for the next several years.
Tags: Middle Ages, Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick I, Treaty, Diplomacy, Church and State, Medieval Italy
Peace of Constance Finalized
Year: 1183
Category: Politics
On January 25, the final Peace of Constance between Frederick Barbarossa, the pope and the Lombard towns is signed, confirming the Peace of Venice of 1177.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick Barbarossa, Lombard League, Treaties, Diplomacy, Ancient greece
Emperor Frederick I's Diet of Pentecost in Mainz
Year: 1184
Category: Politics
Diet of Pentecost organised by Emperor Frederick I in Mainz.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Frederick I, Medieval Politics, Diplomacy, Imperial Authority
Henry VI's Marriage to Constance of Sicily
Year: 1186
Category: Politics
On January 27, the future Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI marries Constance of Sicily, the heiress to the Sicilian throne.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Marriage, Dynastic Politics, Succession, Kingdom of Sicily, Henry VI, Imperial Expansion, Political Alliances
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's Death and Crusader Army's Disintegration
Year: 1190
Category: Warfare & Military
On June 10, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowns in the River Salef, leaving the Crusader army under the command of the rivals Philip II of France and Richard I of England, which ultimately leads to the dissolution of the army.
Tags: Crusades, Holy Roman Empire, Frederick Barbarossa, Philip II of France, Military Leadership, Medieval Europe
Henry VI's Failed Invasion of the Kingdom of Sicily
Year: 1191
Category: Warfare & Military
Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI attacked the Kingdom of Sicily from May to August but fails and withdrawn, with Empress Constance captured (released 1192).
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of Sicily, Medieval Warfare, Military Campaign, Henry VI, Imperialism, Siege
Emperor Henry VI's Conquest of the Kingdom of Sicily
Year: 1194
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Henry VI conquers the Kingdom of Sicily.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of Sicily, Conquest, Military Campaign, Imperialism, Henry VI, Political Intrigue
Frederick of Sicily Crowned King of the Romans
Year: 1212
Category: Politics
Frederick of Sicily is crowned King of the Romans at Mainz.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Monarchy, Imperial Politics, Frederick II, Catholicism, Succession, Political Intrigue
French Victory at the Battle of Bouvines
Year: 1214
Category: Warfare & Military
France defeats the English and Imperial German forces at the Battle of Bouvines.
Tags: Middle Ages, Military History, Holy Roman Empire, Battle, Philip II of France, Angevin Empire, Feudalism, Warfare
Frederick II Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 1220
Category: Politics
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor is crowned in Rome
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Emperor, Catholicism, Frederick II, Monarchy
The Second Lombard League's Formation Against Emperor Frederick II
Year: 1226
Category: Politics
1250: Dispute between the so-called second Lombard League and Emperor Frederick II.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Italy, Guelphs and Ghibellines, Ancient greece, Alliances, Imperial Authority
Estonia Subjugated by German Crusaders
Year: 1227
Category: Warfare & Military
Estonians are finally subjugated to German crusader rule during the Livonian Crusade.
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Teutonic Order, Conquest, Estonia, Christianization, Military
Conflict Begins: Papal-Imperial Tensions Erupt
Year: 1228
Category: Politics
1230: First clash between Gregory IX and Emperor Frederick II.
Tags: Catholicism, Holy Roman Empire, Frederick II, Medieval Politics, Church and State, Conflict, Guelphs and Ghibellines
Death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II
Year: 1250
Category: Politics
Death of Emperor Frederick II on December 13th.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Succession, Emperor, Papal States, Guelphs and Ghibellines, Kingdom of Sicily, Frederick II
Denmark Sells Duchy of Estonia to the Teutonic Order
Year: 1346
Category: Politics
King Valdemar IV of Denmark sells the Duchy of Estonia to the Teutonic Order.
Tags: Teutonic Order, Estonia
Golden Bull of 1356 Issued by Charles IV
Year: 1356
Category: Politics
The Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire headed by Emperor Charles IV issues the Golden Bull of 1356, establishing various constitutional aspects of the Empire, the most significant being the electoral college to elect future emperors.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Constitutional Law, Middle Ages, Governance
First Record of Printing Press in Mainz
Year: 1439
Category: Technology
Printing press in Mainz, Germany: The printing press is invented in the Holy Roman Empire by Johannes Gutenberg before 1440, based on existing screw presses. The first confirmed record of a press appeared in a 1439 lawsuit against Gutenberg.
Tags: Printing Press, Holy Roman Empire, Communication, Renaissance
Poland Annexes Royal Prussia After Thirteen Years' War Victory
Year: 1454
Category: Warfare & Military
1466: After defeating the Teutonic Knights in the Thirteen Years' War, Poland annexes Royal Prussia.
Tags: Warfare, Teutonic Order, Territorial Expansion, Military Victory
Start of the Burgundy Wars
Year: 1474
Category: Warfare & Military
1477: Burgundy Wars of France, Switzerland, Lorraine and Sigismund II of Habsburg against the Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
Tags: Warfare, Military Conflict, Burgundy, Habsburgs, French History, Holy Roman Empire
Early Clockmaking & Iberian Union Begins 🕰️
Year: 1500
Category: Technology
First portable watch is created by Peter Henlein of Germany.The Iberian Union in 1598, under Philip II, King of Spain and Portugal
Tags: Timekeeping, Iberian Union, Renaissance, Mechanical Engineering, Portable Devices
Charles V Becomes Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 1519
Category: Politics
Death of Emperor Maximilian; Charles I of Austria, Spain, and the Low Countries becomes Emperor of Holy Roman Empire as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (ruled until 1556).
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Charles V, Emperor, Succession, Habsburgs, Monarchy, Imperialism
Battle of Pavia: French Defeat and Capture of Francis I
Year: 1525
Category: Warfare & Military
German and Spanish forces defeat France at the Battle of Pavia, Francis I of France is captured.
Tags: Battle, Holy Roman Empire, Francis I, Italian Wars, Military History, French Monarchy, Spanish Empire, Imperialism
Charles V's Victory at the Battle of Mühlberg
Year: 1547
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Charles V decisively dismantles the Schmalkaldic League at the Battle of Mühlberg.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Christianity, Charles V, Battle, Religious Wars, Military History
Bohemian Revolt Triggers the Thirty Years' War
Year: 1618
Category: Warfare & Military
The Bohemian Revolt precipitates the Thirty Years' War, which devastates Europe in the years 1618–48.
Tags: Thirty Years' War, Religious Conflict, Holy Roman Empire, Habsburgs, Christianity, Warfare, Military History, Political Instability
Ferdinand II's Victory Over Bohemian Rebels at White Mountain
Year: 1620
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Ferdinand II defeats the Bohemian rebels in the Battle of White Mountain.
Tags: Thirty Years' War, Battle, Holy Roman Empire, Christianity, Habsburgs, Military Conflict
Gustavus Adolphus Killed at Battle of Lützen
Year: 1632
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Lützen, death of king of Sweden Gustav II Adolf.Battle of Nördlingen (1634). The Catholic Imperial army, bolstered by professional Habsburg Spanish troops won a great victory in the battle over the combined Protestant armies of Sweden and their German allies
Tags: Thirty Years' War, Military History, Christianity, Catholicism, Holy Roman Empire, Battle, Warfare, Swedish Empire
Battle of Lützen: Gustavus Adolphus' Death
Year: 1632
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Lützen, death of king of Sweden Gustav II Adolf.
Tags: Thirty Years' War, Battle, Military History, Holy Roman Empire, Christianity, Military Tactics, Early Modern Warfare, Saxony
Catholic Victory at the Battle of Nördlingen
Year: 1634
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Nördlingen results in Catholic victory.
Tags: Thirty Years' War, Holy Roman Empire, Military History, Battle, Religious Conflict
Otto von Guericke Invents the Vacuum Pump
Year: 1650
Category: Technology
Vacuum pump: Invented by Otto von Guericke.
Tags: Physics, Experimentation, Scientific Revolution, Mechanics
Otto von Guericke Invents the Friction Machine
Year: 1663
Category: Technology
Friction machine: Invented by Otto von Guericke.
Tags: Electricity, Physics, Experimentation, Scientific Revolution
Frederick I Declares the Kingdom of Prussia
Year: 1701
Category: Politics
Kingdom of Prussia declared under King Frederick I.
Tags: Kingdom, Monarchy, Frederick I, Holy Roman Empire, German History, Political Transformation
Fahrenheit Invents the Alcohol Thermometer
Year: 1709
Category: Technology
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invents the alcohol thermometer.
Tags: Measurement, Temperature, Scientific Revolution, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, Instrumentation
Invention of the Mercury Thermometer
Year: 1714
Category: Technology
Mercury thermometer by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit
Tags: Scientific Revolution, Measurement, Temperature, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, Physics
George I Ascends to the British Throne
Year: 1714
Category: Politics
Accession of George I, Elector of Hanover, to the throne of Great Britain.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession, British History, Constitutional Monarchy, Political Transition
Frederick the Great Ascends to the Prussian Throne
Year: 1740
Category: Politics
Frederick the Great comes to power in Prussia.
Tags: Monarchy, Enlightened Absolutism, Frederick the Great, Kingdom, European History, Habsburgs, Military Reform
Frederick II's Adoption of the Echelon Formation
Year: 1763
Category: Warfare & Military
Echelon Formation used by Frederick II of Prussia.
Tags: Military Tactics, Frederick the Great, Seven Years' War, Cavalry, Military History, Strategy
Mayer Amschel Rothschild Receives Court Factor Title
Year: 1769
Category: Economy & Trade
Court Factor title gained by Mayer Amschel Rothschild.
Tags: Banking, Finance, Holy Roman Empire, Jewish History, Economic History, Wealth
Goethe's 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' Published
Year: 1774
Category: Literature
The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe first published
Tags: Literature, Novel, Romanticism, German Literature, Epistolary Novel
Illuminati Founded
Year: 1776
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Illuminati founded by Adam Weishaupt.
Tags: Enlightenment, Secret Societies, Political Philosophy, Social Reform, Ideology
Kant Publishes *Critique of Pure Reason*
Year: 1781
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant (publication of first edition)
Tags: Philosophy, Enlightenment, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Immanuel Kant
Schiller's 'The Robbers' Published
Year: 1781
Category: Literature
The Robbers by Friedrich Schiller first published
Tags: Drama, German Literature, Romanticism, Enlightenment
Frederick the Great's Death and Succession
Year: 1786
Category: Politics
Frederick the Great dies without issue and is succeeded as King of Prussia by his nephew, Frederick William II.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession, Frederick the Great, German History, Dynasty
Publication of Immanuel Kant's Critique of Practical Reason
Year: 1788
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Critique of Practical Reason by Immanuel Kant
Tags: Philosophy, Enlightenment, Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Rationalism, Metaphysics
Alois Senefelder Invents Lithography
Year: 1796
Category: Technology
Alois Senefelder invents the lithography printing technique.
Tags: Printing, Communication, Art, Mass Production
Lithographic Printing Process Invented
Year: 1798
Category: Technology
The Lithographic printing process invented by Alois Senefelder
Tags: Printing, Communication, Industrial Revolution, Mass Production, Art
Dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire
Year: 1806
Category: Politics
Holy Roman Empire dissolved as a consequence of the Treaty of Pressburg.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte, German Confederation, Political Transformation, European History, Sovereignty
Napoleon Dissolves Teutonic Order Holdings in Bad Mergentheim
Year: 1809
Category: Politics
Napoleon strips the Teutonic Knights of their last holdings in Bad Mergentheim.
Tags: Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleonic Wars, Teutonic Order, Holy Roman Empire, Territorial Changes, German History, Political Reform, Military Occupation
University of Berlin Founded, Influencing Global University Reform
Year: 1810
Category: Society & Culture
The University of Berlin was founded. Among its students and faculty are Hegel, Marx, and Bismarck. The German university reform proves to be so successful that its model is copied around the world (see History of European research universities).
Tags: Education, University, Higher Education
Friedrich Koenig Invents the First Cylinder Printing Press
Year: 1811
Category: Technology
Friedrich Koenig invents the first powered printing press, which was also the first to use a cylinder.
Tags: Printing, Industrial Revolution, Mass Production, Communication
Invention of the Dandy Horse
Year: 1816
Category: Technology
Dandy horse/velocipede bicycle invented.
Tags: Transportation, Mechanical Engineering
Drais's Invention of the Dandy Horse
Year: 1817
Category: Technology
Baron Karl von Drais invents the dandy horse, an early velocipede and precursor to the modern bicycle.
Tags: Transportation, Mechanical Engineering
Döbereiner Invents the First Lighter
Year: 1823
Category: Technology
Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner invents the first lighter.
Tags: Chemistry, Lighting
Dreyse's Bolt-Action Rifle Invention
Year: 1824
Category: Technology
Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse invents the bolt-action rifle.
Tags: Weaponry, Military Technology, Industrial Revolution, Warfare
Goethe's *Faust* Premieres
Year: 1829
Category: Literature
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust premieres.
Tags: Literature, German Literature, Drama, Poetry, Romanticism, Playwright, Philosophy, Cultural Impact
Formation of the Zollverein
Year: 1834
Category: Economy & Trade
The German Customs Union is formed.
Tags: Economic Integration, Trade, Free Trade, German Confederation, Nation Building, Industrial Revolution
Leopold von Ranke Pioneers Source-Based Historical Research
Year: 1834
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
German historian Leopold von Ranke develops seminar method based on original sources.
Tags: Historiography, Research
Belgium Officially Declared an Independent Kingdom
Year: 1839
Category: Politics
Kingdom of Belgium declared.
Tags: Kingdom, Independence, Nationalism, European History, Monarchy
Heine Coins 'Lisztomania' to Describe Public Frenzy
Year: 1844
Category: Society & Culture
Heinrich Heine coins the term "Lisztomania" in regards to the public's frenzied reaction to the pianist Franz Liszt.
Tags: Music, Classical Music, Celebrity Culture, Romanticism, Cultural History
Wood Pulp Paper Production Invented
Year: 1844
Category: Technology
Friedrich Gottlob Keller and, independently, Charles Fenerty come up with the wood pulp method of paper production.
Tags: Paper, Printing, Communication, Industrial Revolution
European Revolutions of 1848 and Conservative Repression
Year: 1848
Category: Politics
Revolutions of 1848 across Europe; crushed by conservatives.
Tags: Revolution, Liberalism, Conservatism, Nationalism, Unification, Monarchy, Social Reform, Working Class
Robert Bunsen Pioneers Chemical Vapor Deposition
Year: 1852
Category: Technology
Robert Bunsen is the first to use a chemical vapor deposition technique.
Tags: Chemistry, Scientific Innovation, Research, Materials Science
Heinrich Geissler Invents the Geissler Tube
Year: 1857
Category: Technology
Heinrich Geissler invents the Geissler tube.
Tags: Physics, Electricity, Experimentation
Siemens-Martin Process for Steel Production Invented
Year: 1865
Category: Technology
Carl Wilhelm Siemens and Pierre-Émile Martin invented the Siemens-Martin process for making steel.
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steel, Manufacturing, Metallurgy
Austro-Prussian War: German Confederation Dissolved; New Entities Created
Year: 1866
Category: Politics
Austro-Prussian War results in the dissolution of the German Confederation and the creation of the North German Confederation and the Austrian-Hungarian Dual Monarchy.
Tags: Warfare, Nationalism, Unification, German Confederation, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Realpolitik, Otto von Bismarck, European History
Franco-Prussian War and European Transformations
Year: 1870
Category: Warfare & Military
1870–1871: The Franco-Prussian War results in the unifications of Germany and Italy, the collapse of the Second French Empire and the emergence of a New Imperialism.
Tags: Warfare, Imperialism, Nationalism, Diplomacy, Military Conflict
The Long Depression Begins
Year: 1870
Category: Economy & Trade
1870–1890: Long Depression in Western Europe and North America.
Tags: Depression, Economic Crisis, Global Economy, Industrial Revolution, Capitalism, Trade, Recession
Panic of 1873 Triggers Long Depression
Year: 1873
Category: Economy & Trade
The Panic of 1873 starts the "Long Depression".
Tags: Economic Crisis, Depression, Stock Market Crash, Industrialization, Gilded Age, Banking, Global Economy
Nicolaus Otto Develops the Four-Stroke Engine
Year: 1876
Category: Technology
Nicolaus August Otto invents the four-stroke cycle.
Tags: Internal Combustion Engine, Industrial Revolution, Transportation, Manufacturing
Berlin Conference: European Powers Divide Africa
Year: 1884
Category: Politics
1884–1885: The Berlin Conference signals the start of the European "scramble for Africa".
Tags: Imperialism, Colonialism, Scramble for Africa, European Expansion, Diplomacy, International Relations, Otto von Bismarck
Germany Establishes Protectorate over Cameroon
Year: 1884
Category: Politics
Germany gains control of Cameroon.
Tags: Colonialism, Imperialism, Scramble for Africa, German Empire, Protectorate, Expansionism, European Powers
Karl Benz Builds First Gasoline-Powered Automobile
Year: 1885
Category: Technology
Karl Benz produced first car with internal combustion engine.
Tags: Automobile, Transportation, Internal Combustion Engine, Industrial Revolution
Karl Benz Sells the First Commercial Automobile
Year: 1886
Category: Technology
Karl Benz sells the first commercial automobile.
Tags: Automobile, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
Carl Gassner Invents the Zinc-Carbon Dry Cell Battery
Year: 1886
Category: Technology
Carl Gassner invents the zinc–carbon battery, the first dry cell battery, making portable electronics practical.
Tags: Battery, Electricity, Industrial Revolution
Carl Josef Bayer Invents the Bayer Process
Year: 1887
Category: Technology
Carl Josef Bayer invents the Bayer process for the production of alumina.
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Mining, Materials Science
Wilhelm II Ascends to the German Throne
Year: 1888
Category: Politics
Year of the Three Emperors in Germany marks the beginning of Kaiser Wilhelm II's 30-year reign.
Tags: German Empire, Monarchy, Succession, Imperialism, Weltpolitik, European History, World War I
Bicycle Craze Takes Hold in Europe and America
Year: 1890
Category: Society & Culture
1890s: Bike boom sweeps Europe and America.
Tags: Transportation, Cycling, Social Change, Recreation, Consumerism, Leisure, Urbanization
Kaiser Wilhelm II Dismisses Bismarck and Shifts to Weltpolitik
Year: 1890
Category: Politics
Kaiser Wilhelm II dismisses Germany's longtime chancellor Otto von Bismarck, thereafter embarking on the foreign policy of Weltpolitik, as opposed to Bismarck's Realpolitik.
Tags: Imperialism, German Empire, Weltpolitik, Realpolitik, Otto von Bismarck, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, European History
Gottlieb Daimler Establishes Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft
Year: 1890
Category: Technology
Gottlieb Daimler founds his manufacturing company in Germany, ancestor of Mercedes-Benz.
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Automobile Industry, Transportation, German Empire, Manufacturing
Rudolf Diesel Patents the Diesel Engine
Year: 1893
Category: Technology
Rudolf Diesel invents the diesel engine (although Herbert Akroyd Stuart had experimented with compression ignition before Diesel).
Tags: Internal Combustion Engine, Transportation, Industrial Revolution, Energy
Zeppelin LZ 1 Airship Production Begins
Year: 1898
Category: Technology
1900: Zeppelin LZ 1 airship first produced.
Tags: Aviation, Industrial Revolution
Pechmann Synthesizes Polyethylene
Year: 1898
Category: Technology
Hans von Pechmann synthesizes polyethylene, now the most common plastic in the world.
Tags: Chemistry, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution
Theodor Kober Designs the First Zeppelin
Year: 1900
Category: Technology
The first Zeppelin is designed by Theodor Kober.
Tags: Aviation, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
European Naval Blockade of Venezuela
Year: 1902
Category: Warfare & Military
Venezuelan crisis of 1902–1903, in which Britain, Germany and Italy impose a naval blockade on Venezuela in order to enforce collection of outstanding financial claims.
Tags: Imperialism, Debt Crisis, Venezuela, Diplomacy, European Powers
Ottoman and German Agreement for Berlin-Baghdad Railway Construction
Year: 1903
Category: Economy & Trade
The Ottoman Empire and the German Empire sign an agreement to build the Berlin–Baghdad railway.
Tags: Railways, Imperialism, Ottoman Empire, German Empire, Economic Development, Trade, Geopolitics, World War I, Infrastructure
The First Moroccan Crisis Begins
Year: 1905
Category: Politics
March 31: The First Moroccan Crisis begins, going until April 1906.
Tags: Imperialism, Colonialism, Diplomacy, International Relations, Pre-World War I, Entente Cordiale, Scramble for Africa
Schlieffen Plan Proposed
Year: 1905
Category: Warfare & Military
Schlieffen Plan proposed in Berlin to defeat France.
Tags: World War I, Military Strategy, German Empire, Western Front, Military History, Entente Cordiale
Franco-German Dispute over Morocco
Year: 1911
Category: Politics
April – November: Agadir Crisis.
Tags: Imperialism, Colonialism, Diplomacy, Weltpolitik, Entente Cordiale, Arms Race, Pre-World War I
Bergius Process Developed
Year: 1913
Category: Technology
The Bergius process is developed by Friedrich Bergius.
Tags: Chemistry, World War I, World War II, Energy, German Science
German Victory at the Battle of Tannenberg
Year: 1914
Category: Warfare & Military
August 26 – 30: Battle of Tannenberg.
Tags: World War I, Eastern Front, Battle, German Empire, Russian Empire, Military Strategy
First Battle of the Marne
Year: 1914
Category: Warfare & Military
September 6 – 12: First Battle of the Marne.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, Military Strategy, Battle, Warfare
Entrenchment on the Western Front
Year: 1914
Category: Warfare & Military
September – October: The Race to the Sea leaves Germany and the Allies entrenched along the Western Front.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, Military Strategy, Allies, Military History, Warfare
Second Battle of Ypres: Poison Gas Debut
Year: 1915
Category: Warfare & Military
April 22: Second Battle of Ypres begins, first widespread use of poison gas.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, Chemical Warfare, Battle, Military Technology, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Allied Powers
Sinking of the RMS Lusitania by German U-Boat
Year: 1915
Category: Warfare & Military
May 7: Sinking of the RMS Lusitania.
Tags: World War I, Naval Warfare, Atrocity, Propaganda
First Large-Scale Use of Poison Gas in World War I
Year: 1915
Category: Warfare & Military
The first large scale use of poison gas by both sides in World War I occurs, first by the Germans at the Battle of Humin-Bolimów on the eastern front, and at the Second Battle of Ypres on the western front, and then by the British at the Battle of Loos.
Tags: World War I, Trench Warfare, Chemical Warfare, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Eastern Front, Western Front, Military Technology, Atrocities
Battle of Verdun
Year: 1916
Category: Warfare & Military
February – December: Battle of Verdun.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, Military History
Bayerische Flugzeugwerke Founded
Year: 1916
Category: Economy & Trade
March 7: Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, later to become BMW, is founded in Germany.
Tags: Industrial Revolution, World War I, Aviation, Manufacturing, Automotive Industry, Business
Daylight Saving Time Introduced in Germany and Austria-Hungary
Year: 1916
Category: Technology
April 30: The first nationwide implementation of daylight saving time in the German Empire and Austria-Hungary.
Tags: World War I, Austria-Hungary, Timekeeping, Standardization, Military
Battle of the Somme: Brutal Trench Warfare and Mass Casualties
Year: 1916
Category: Warfare & Military
July – November: Battle of the Somme on Western Front; massive casualties.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, Military History
First Tank Use at the Battle of Flers–Courcelette
Year: 1916
Category: Warfare & Military
September 15–22: First use of tanks at the Battle of Flers–Courcelette.
Tags: World War I, Tanks, Military Technology, Western Front, Weapons Development
Allied Offensive at Passchendaele
Year: 1917
Category: Warfare & Military
July – November: Battle of Passchendaele.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, Battle, Offensive, Allied Powers, Central Powers
Austro-German Breakthrough at Caporetto
Year: 1917
Category: Warfare & Military
October – November: Battle of Caporetto.
Tags: World War I, Trench Warfare, Austro-Hungarian Empire, German Empire, Military Defeat, Battle
German Spring Offensive on the Western Front
Year: 1918
Category: Warfare & Military
March – July: The German spring offensive.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Trench Warfare, German Empire, Allied Powers, Military Offensive
Allied Offensive at Amiens Begins
Year: 1918
Category: Warfare & Military
August 8 – 12: Battle of Amiens.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Allied Powers, Central Powers, Tank Warfare, Trench Warfare, Battle, Offensive, Military History
Hundred Days Offensive: Allied Victory and German Collapse
Year: 1918
Category: Warfare & Military
August–November: The Hundred Days Offensive sends Germany into defeat.
Tags: World War I, Western Front, Allied Powers, Central Powers, Trench Warfare, Military Offensive, Armistice, German Empire
German Revolution Begins
Year: 1918
Category: Politics
October 29: German Revolution begins.
Tags: Revolution, World War I, Weimar Republic, Political Upheaval, Socialism, Political Instability
German Emperor Wilhelm II Abdicates
Year: 1918
Category: Politics
November 9: Abdication of Wilhelm II.
Tags: World War I, German Empire, Abdication, Weimar Republic, Monarchy, Political Transition
Armistice Ends World War I; Poland Declares Independence
Year: 1918
Category: Warfare & Military
November 11:
The Armistice of 11 November 1918 ends World War I.
Poland declares independence from Russia.
Tags: World War I, Armistice, Treaty of Versailles, Eastern Front, Central Powers, Allied Powers, Nationalism, Political Instability
Treaty of Versailles Signed
Year: 1919
Category: Politics
Paris Peace Conference writes Treaty of Versailles that punishes Germany.
Tags: World War I, Treaty, Peace Treaty, Post-War, League of Nations, Interwar Period
German Empire Collapses, Weimar Republic Established
Year: 1919
Category: Politics
August 11: German Revolution ends with the collapse of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
Tags: Weimar Republic, World War I, Empire, Republic, Political Transition, Post-War, Treaty of Versailles
Hitler Ascends: Führer of the Nazi Party Amid Weimar Crisis
Year: 1921
Category: Politics
July 29: Adolf Hitler becomes Führer of the Nazi Party as hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic begins.
Tags: Adolf Hitler, Weimar Republic, Political Leadership, Hyperinflation, Political Instability
Failed Beer Hall Putsch
Year: 1923
Category: Politics
November 8: The Beer Hall Putsch, an attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic, ends in failure and brief imprisonment for Adolf Hitler but brings the Nazi Party to national attention.
Tags: Nazism, Weimar Republic, Adolf Hitler, Political Violence, Fascism, Coup Attempt, Political Instability, Interwar Period
Rentenmark Stabilizes Weimar Republic's Economy
Year: 1923
Category: Economy & Trade
November 15: Hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic ends with the introduction of the Rentenmark.
Tags: Weimar Republic, Hyperinflation, Economic Crisis, Economic History, Inflation
Mein Kampf Publication
Year: 1925
Category: Literature
July 18: Hitler's Mein Kampf is published.
Tags: Nazism, Adolf Hitler, Propaganda, Fascism, Anti-Semitism, Political Ideology, World War II, Literature, Ideology
Locarno Treaties Signed
Year: 1925
Category: Politics
October 5 – 16: Locarno Treaties signed.
Tags: International Relations, Treaty, Weimar Republic, Interwar Period, Diplomacy, Rhineland, League of Nations
Fischer–Tropsch Process Developed
Year: 1925
Category: Technology
The Fischer–Tropsch process is developed by Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut für Kohlenforschung.
Tags: Chemical Engineering, Industrial Revolution, World War II
Ball Screw Invention
Year: 1929
Category: Technology
The ball screw is invented by Rudolph G. Boehm.
Tags: Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Machine Tools, Industrial Revolution
Nazi Party Gains Significant Vote Share in Reichstag Election
Year: 1930
Category: Politics
September 14: Aided by the Great Depression, the Nazi Party increases its share of the vote from 2.6% to 18.3%.
Tags: Nazism, Weimar Republic, Great Depression, Adolf Hitler, Political Instability, Interwar Period
Ernst Ruska Invents the Electron Microscope
Year: 1931
Category: Technology
The electron microscope is invented by Ernst Ruska.
Tags: Microscopy, Physics, Instrumentation, Scientific Revolution, Medical Advancements, Materials Science
Nazi Party Gains Majority in German Parliament
Year: 1932
Category: Politics
The Nazi party becomes the largest single party in the German parliament.
Tags: Nazism, Weimar Republic, Fascism, Political Parties, Adolf Hitler, Totalitarianism, Interwar Period
Hitler Appointed Chancellor of Germany
Year: 1933
Category: Politics
January 30: Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany.
Tags: Nazism, Fascism, Adolf Hitler, Weimar Republic, Political Power, Totalitarianism, World War II, Political Transition, Dictatorship
Germany Withdraws from League of Nations and Disarmament Conference
Year: 1933
Category: Politics
October 14: Germany announces its withdrawal from the League of Nations and the World Disarmament Conference, after the U.S., the U.K. and France deny its request to increase its defense armaments under the Versailles Treaty.
Tags: World War II, League of Nations, Weimar Republic, International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Tensions
Night of the Long Knives: Hitler Consolidates Power
Year: 1934
Category: Politics
June 30 – July 2: Adolf Hitler instigates the Night of the Long Knives, which cements his power over both the Nazi Party and Germany.
Tags: Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, Purge, Political Violence, Totalitarianism, Dictatorship, Third Reich
Hitler Assumes Title of Führer After Hindenburg's Death
Year: 1934
Category: Politics
August 2: With the death of Paul von Hindenburg, Hitler declares himself Führer of Germany.
Tags: Nazism, Totalitarianism, Dictatorship, World War II, Political Power, Leadership, Third Reich, Adolf Hitler, Weimar Republic
Nuremberg Laws Enacted
Year: 1935
Category: Society & Culture
September 15: Enactment of the Nuremberg racial laws.
Tags: Nazi Germany, Antisemitism, Discrimination, Holocaust, Persecution, Human Rights, World War II
Hindenburg Airship Disaster
Year: 1937
Category: Technology
May 6: German zeppelin Hindenburg crashes in Lakehurst, New Jersey, ending the airship era.
Tags: Aviation, Disaster, Interwar Period, Commercial Aviation, Transportation
Volkswagen Founded by the German Labour Front
Year: 1937
Category: Economy & Trade
Volkswagen founded by the German Labour Front.
Tags: Automotive Industry, Industrialization, Nazi Germany, Labor Unions, Economy, Volkswagen, Weimar Republic
Germany Annexes Austria in Anschluss
Year: 1938
Category: Politics
March 12: Anschluss unifies Germany and Austria.
Tags: Nazism, World War II, Expansionism, Annexation, Dictatorship, Adolf Hitler, Political Union, Nationalism, Appeasement, Interwar Period
Évian Conference Fails to Address Jewish Refugee Crisis
Year: 1938
Category: Politics
July 6–15: Évian Conference ends with all attendee nations save the Dominican Republic refusing to accept more Jewish refugees from the Third Reich.
Tags: World War II, Holocaust, Refugees, Anti-Semitism, International Relations, Diplomacy, Third Reich, Human Rights
Munich Agreement: Czechoslovakia Ceded to Nazi Germany
Year: 1938
Category: Politics
September 30: Munich Agreement hands Czechoslovakia to Nazi Germany.
Tags: Appeasement, Nazi Germany, World War II, Czechoslovakia, Adolf Hitler, Treaty, Diplomacy
Time Magazine Names Adolf Hitler Man of the Year
Year: 1938
Category: Politics
December: Time Magazine declares Adolf Hitler as Man of the Year.
Tags: Propaganda, Nazism, Fascism, World War II, Adolf Hitler, Media, Global Impact
Konrad Zuse Constructs the Z1 Computer
Year: 1938
Category: Technology
Z1, built by Konrad Zuse, is the first freely programmable computer in the world.
Tags: Computer Science, Early Computing, Mechanical Computer, World War II, Digital Revolution
Germany and Soviet Union Sign Non-Aggression Pact
Year: 1939
Category: Politics
August 23: The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union.
Tags: World War II, Appeasement, Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, Diplomacy, Totalitarianism, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin
Invasion of Poland: Outbreak of World War II
Year: 1939
Category: Warfare & Military
September 1 – October: Nazi invasion of Poland triggers World War II in Europe. Soviet invasion of Poland begins 16 days later.
Tags: World War II, Invasion, Soviet Union, Aggression, Totalitarianism, Eastern Front, Appeasement
Britain and France Declare War on Germany
Year: 1939
Category: Warfare & Military
September 3: Britain and France declare war on Germany; World War II begins.
Tags: World War II, Axis Powers, Allied Powers, Global Conflict, Total War
Nazi Invasions of Western Europe
Year: 1940
Category: Warfare & Military
May – June: Nazis invade Denmark and Norway, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and France; their governments (except Denmark) are exiled to the United Kingdom.
Tags: World War II, Nazi Germany, Invasion, Occupation, Western Front, Exile, Military Campaign, Axis Powers
Battle of Britain: Aerial Combat Defeats Axis
Year: 1940
Category: Warfare & Military
July – October: Battle of Britain, the first entirely aerial military campaign, becomes the first significant defeat for the Axis powers.
Tags: World War II, Strategic Bombing, Luftwaffe, Axis Powers, Allied Powers, Military Strategy, Turning Point
The Blitz Begins
Year: 1940
Category: Warfare & Military
September 7: The Blitz, a German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom, begins.
Tags: World War II, Air Warfare, Strategic Bombing, Luftwaffe
Nazi Germany Invades the Soviet Union
Year: 1941
Category: Warfare & Military
June – December: Hitler commences the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, Invasion, Total War, Adolf Hitler, Ideology, War Crimes
Continuation War Begins and Siege of Tobruk Begins
Year: 1941
Category: Warfare & Military
June 25: Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union begins. Siege of Tobruk in North Africa is the first major defeat for Hitler's land forces.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Siege, Warfare, Military Conflict, Soviet Union, Adolf Hitler
Stalingrad and Guadalcanal Campaigns Begin; Japanese-American Internment Begins
Year: 1942
Category: Warfare & Military
August: Battle of Stalingrad and Guadalcanal Campaign begin.
Internment of Japanese-American citizens in the US begins.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Pacific Theater, Racism, Total War, Axis Powers, Allied Powers
V-2 Rocket Development Commences
Year: 1942
Category: Warfare & Military
The V-2 rocket, the world's first long range ballistic missile, developed by engineer Wernher von Braun.
Tags: World War II, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Military History, Rocketry, Nazi Germany
Surrender of German Forces at Stalingrad
Year: 1943
Category: Warfare & Military
February 2: Battle of Stalingrad ends with over two million casualties and the retreat of the German Army.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Soviet Union, Military Defeat, Warfare, Turning Point, Axis Powers, Casualties
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Suppression
Year: 1943
Category: Warfare & Military
April – May: Warsaw Ghetto uprising fails.
Tags: World War II, Holocaust, Resistance, Jewish History, Nazi Germany, Eastern Front, Rebellion, Human Rights
Battle of Kursk: Nazi Germany's Final Eastern Front Offensive Fails
Year: 1943
Category: Warfare & Military
July – August: The failed Battle of Kursk becomes the last Nazi offensive on the Eastern Front.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Battle, Military History, Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, Tank Warfare, Offensive, Turning Point
Siege of Leningrad Ends: Soviet Victory
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
January 27: The Siege of Leningrad ends with Soviet victory after over a million deaths.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Siege, Soviet Union, Military History, Total War, Atrocity
Allied Landings in Normandy
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
June 6: D-Day landings in Normandy.
Tags: World War II, Western Front, Allied Powers, Axis Powers, Invasion, Military Strategy, Liberation
Operation Bagration: Soviet Offensive Cripples Germany
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
June – August: Soviet forces launch Operation Bagration on the Eastern Front, the biggest defeat in German military history.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Soviet Union, Military Offensive, Warfare
Failed Assassination Attempt on Hitler
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
July 20: Adolf Hitler survives the 20 July plot to assassinate him led by Claus von Stauffenberg.
Tags: World War II, Adolf Hitler, Resistance, Assassination, Military, Nazi Germany, Conspiracy
Liberation of Paris
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
August 19 – 25: Liberation of Paris.
Tags: World War II, Western Front, Liberation, Resistance, Charles de Gaulle, Battle, Military Campaign
Continuation War Ends
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
September 19: The Continuation War ends.
Tags: World War II, Soviet Union, Eastern Front, Warfare, Military Conflict, Nationalism
Allied Bombing of Dresden
Year: 1945
Category: Warfare & Military
February 13 – 15: Allied bombing of Dresden.
Tags: World War II, Strategic Bombing, Luftwaffe, Eastern Front, Civilian Casualties, Controversy
Soviet Capture of Berlin
Year: 1945
Category: Warfare & Military
April – May: Battle of Berlin.
Tags: World War II, Eastern Front, Battle, Siege, Berlin, Total War, Post-War
Adolf Hitler's Suicide in Berlin
Year: 1945
Category: Warfare & Military
April 30: The Suicide of Adolf Hitler in Berlin as Nazi Germany collapses.
Tags: World War II, Nazism, Third Reich, Adolf Hitler, Eastern Front, Axis Powers, Totalitarianism
World War II Ends in Europe, Holocaust's Conclusion
Year: 1945
Category: Warfare & Military
May: End of World War II in Europe.
The Holocaust ends after ~12 million deaths, including 6 million Jews.
Tags: World War II, Holocaust, Nazism, Allies, Axis Powers, Genocide, Totalitarianism, Liberation
Potsdam Conference: Division of Europe into Blocs
Year: 1945
Category: Politics
July – August: The Potsdam Conference divides Europe into Western and Soviet blocs.
Tags: Cold War, Post-World War II, Geopolitics, Soviet Union, Iron Curtain, International Relations, Winston Churchill
Nuremberg Trials Conclude
Year: 1946
Category: Warfare & Military
September 30 – October 1: Nuremberg trials end.
Tags: World War II, Trials, Justice, War Crimes, Nazism, Human Rights, International Law, Allied Powers, Holocaust
Marshall Plan Officially Begins
Year: 1948
Category: Economy & Trade
April 3: The Marshall Plan, an American initiative for foreign aid of $13 billion to 16 Western European countries, comes into effect.
Tags: Cold War, Post-World War II, Reconstruction, Foreign Policy, Containment, Capitalism
OECD Founded to Promote Economic Cooperation
Year: 1948
Category: Economy & Trade
April 16: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) founded.
Tags: Economic Cooperation, Post-War Reconstruction, International Organizations, Global Economy, Trade, Development, Cold War, Western Bloc
Berlin Blockade Initiated by Soviet Union
Year: 1948
Category: Warfare & Military
June 24: Berlin Blockade begins.
Tags: Cold War, Berlin, Soviet Union, Blockade, Post-War, Geopolitics, Containment
Berlin Blockade Officially Ends
Year: 1949
Category: Warfare & Military
May 12: Berlin Blockade ends.
Tags: Cold War, Berlin, Blockade, Soviet Union, East Germany, West Germany, Post-War, Containment
Establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany
Year: 1949
Category: Politics
May 23: Creation of NATO-backed Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).
Tags: Cold War, NATO, Post-World War II, Federalism, Western Bloc, Geopolitics, Reconstruction
Allied Occupation of West Germany Formally Ends
Year: 1952
Category: Politics
May: Bonn–Paris conventions end allied occupation of West Germany.
Tags: Post-War, Cold War, Occupation, West Germany, International Relations, Sovereignty, Allied Powers
East German Uprising, Beria's Execution, and Soviet Power Struggle
Year: 1953
Category: Politics
June 16 – 17: An East German Uprising leads to the arrest and execution of Lavrentiy Beria; power struggle begins between Georgy Malenkov and Nikita Khrushchev.
Tags: Cold War, Soviet Union, East Germany, Rebellion, Political Purge, Nikita Khrushchev, Eastern Bloc
Western European Union Founded
Year: 1954
Category: Warfare & Military
October 23: The Western European Union is established.
Tags: Cold War, European Integration, Military Alliance, Post-War, NATO, West Germany, Defense
Warsaw Pact Signed
Year: 1955
Category: Warfare & Military
May 14: Signing of the Warsaw Pact.
Tags: Cold War, Military Alliance, Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc, NATO, Geopolitics, Ideology, Communism, Arms Race, Treaty
Formation of the European Economic Community
Year: 1957
Category: Politics
March 25: Treaty of Rome, which would eventually lead to the European Union.
Tags: European Union, European Integration, Post-War, International Relations, Treaty, Economic Cooperation
Berlin Wall Construction Begins
Year: 1961
Category: Politics
August 13: Construction of the Berlin Wall.
Tags: Cold War, East Germany, West Germany, Berlin, Iron Curtain, Divided Germany, Political Division, Communism, Soviet Union
Joseph Weizenbaum Develops the ELIZA Chatbot
Year: 1966
Category: Technology
Joseph Weizenbaum, a German computer scientist at MIT, completes ELIZA, the first chatbot.
Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Natural Language Processing, Software Development
Widespread Protests Across the United States, Europe, and Latin America
Year: 1968
Category: Society & Culture
January – March: Protests erupt in the United States, Europe and Latin America.
Tags: Protests, Social Movements, Student Movements, Civil Rights Movement, Anti-War Movement, Political Activism, Cultural Revolution, Activism
Warsaw Pact Invasion of Czechoslovakia
Year: 1968
Category: Warfare & Military
January – August: Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia crushed by the Eastern Bloc military intervention.
Tags: Cold War, Eastern Bloc, Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Military Intervention, Communism, Political Repression
First World Constituent Assembly Held
Year: 1968
Category: Politics
August 27: First World Constituent Assembly, took place in Interlaken, Switzerland and Wolfach, Germany
Tags: International Cooperation, Switzerland, Ideology, Activism, Social Movements
Airbus Consortium Officially Formed
Year: 1970
Category: Technology
December 18: Establishment of Airbus.
Tags: Aviation, Aerospace, European Union, International Cooperation, Manufacturing, Economic Development
Helsinki Accords Signed
Year: 1975
Category: Politics
August 1: The Helsinki Accords, which officially recognize Europe's national borders and respect for human rights, are signed in Finland.
Tags: Cold War, Human Rights, Detente, International Relations, Soviet Union, Diplomacy
Red Army Faction Abducts Hanns Martin Schleyer
Year: 1977
Category: Politics
September 5: German Autumn: Red Army Faction abduction of Hanns Martin Schleyer.
Tags: Terrorism, Political Violence, Cold War, West Germany, Kidnapping, Extremism
Baader-Meinhof Group Suicide and Schleyer Murder Concludes Crisis
Year: 1977
Category: Politics
October 19: Suicide of members of Baader-Meinhoff Group and murder of Hanns Martin Schleyer ends crisis in West Germany.
Tags: Terrorism, Cold War, West Germany, Political Violence, Crisis
Second Global Oil Crisis
Year: 1979
Category: Economy & Trade
The 1979 oil crisis becomes the second one since 1973.
Tags: Oil Crisis, Energy Crisis, OPEC, Inflation, Stagflation, Economic Recession, Global Economy, Supply Chain
Greece Enters the European Communities
Year: 1981
Category: Politics
January 1: Greece joins the European Communities.
Tags: European Union, European Integration, Political Alliances, International Relations, Economic Development, Cold War, Post-War
Fall of Communist Regimes
Year: 1989
Category: Politics
Revolutions of 1989 bring down Communist and authoritarian regimes around the world.
Tags: Cold War, Communism, Eastern Bloc, Democracy, Political Transition, Revolutions, Human Rights, Globalization, Iron Curtain
Berlin Wall Falls, Eastern Europe Begins Transition
Year: 1989
Category: Politics
November 9: Fall of the Berlin Wall; the Revolutions of 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Bloc begin in Europe, which leads to the end of the Cold War.
Tags: Cold War, Eastern Bloc, Soviet Union, Democracy, Geopolitics, Iron Curtain
MP3 Audio Compression Algorithms Published
Year: 1989
Category: Technology
Karlheinz Brandenburg would publish the audio compression algorithms that would be standardised as the: MPEG-1, layer 3 (mp3), and later the MPEG-2, layer 7 Advanced Audio Compression (AAC).
Tags: Audio, Digital Media, Computer Science
Reunification of Germany
Year: 1990
Category: Politics
October 3: German reunification.
Tags: Cold War, German History, Political Transition, Nationalism, Eastern Bloc, Western Bloc, European Integration
First SIM Card Developed by Giesecke & Devrient
Year: 1991
Category: Technology
The first sim card is developed by Munich smart-card maker Giesecke & Devrient.
Tags: Telecommunications, Mobile Phones, Digital Revolution, Communication
Maastricht Treaty Signed, Establishing the European Union
Year: 1992
Category: Politics
February 7: The Maastricht Treaty is signed, creating the European Union.
Tags: European Integration, European Union, Treaty, International Relations, Political Union, Globalization, Multilateralism, Sovereignty, Economic Cooperation
Maastricht Treaty Enters into Force
Year: 1993
Category: Politics
November 1: The Maastricht Treaty comes in to effect.
Tags: European Union, Treaty, European Integration, Political Union, International Relations
First Mobile Game: Tetris on Hagenuk MT-2000
Year: 1994
Category: Technology
A Tetris variant on the Hagenuk MT-2000 device becomes the first mobile game.
Tags: Video Games, Consumer Electronics
NATO Air Strikes Halt Bosnian War
Year: 1995
Category: Warfare & Military
August–September: NATO bombing raids in Bosnia end the Bosnian War.
Tags: Bosnian War, NATO, Air Strikes, Ethnic Conflict, War Crimes, International Intervention, Military Intervention
Euro Introduced to Financial Markets
Year: 1999
Category: Economy & Trade
January 1: Euro introduced to the financial markets. Coins and banknotes enter circulation in participating countries in 2002.
Tags: European Union, Currency, Eurozone, Economic Integration, Finance, Monetary Policy, Globalization, International Trade, Economic History
Dot-com Bubble Bursts, Triggering Global Stock Market Crash
Year: 2000
Category: Economy & Trade
March 10: Dot-com bubble bursts, causing stock markets worldwide to crash.
Tags: Stock Market, Economic Crisis, Internet, Recession, Finance, Investment, Globalization
Euro Currency Officially Enters Circulation
Year: 2002
Category: Economy & Trade
January 1: The Euro enters circulation.
Tags: European Union, Currency, Economic Integration, Monetary Policy, Globalization, Eurozone, Finance, Trade
Angela Merkel Elected Chancellor of Germany
Year: 2005
Category: Politics
November 22: Angela Merkel becomes Germany's first female Chancellor.
Tags: Chancellor, European Union, Female Leadership
EU Member States Sign the Treaty of Lisbon
Year: 2007
Category: Politics
December 13: 27 EU member states sign the Treaty of Lisbon, with the treaty coming into effect on December 1, 2009.
Tags: European Union, Treaty, Political Integration, International Relations, Law, EU Enlargement, Governance
SoundCloud Launches, Pioneering On-Demand Music
Year: 2007
Category: Technology
SoundCloud, the first on-demand service to focus on music is debuted
Tags: Music, Internet, Digital Media, Streaming, Social Media
Greek Debt Crisis Triggers European Sovereign Debt Crisis and Irish Financial Crisis
Year: 2010
Category: Economy & Trade
The threat of Greece defaulting on its debts triggers the European sovereign debt crisis and Republic of Ireland's financial crisis.
Tags: Financial Crisis, European Union, Economic Recession, Eurozone, Global Economy, Banking Crisis
Cypriot Financial Crisis Resolved
Year: 2013
Category: Economy & Trade
End of 2012–2013 Cypriot financial crisis.
Tags: Financial Crisis, Eurozone, Banking Crisis, European Union, Economic Recession
Philae Probe Lands on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Year: 2014
Category: Technology
November 12: The Rosetta spacecraft's Philae probe becomes the first to successfully land on a comet.
Tags: Space Exploration, Comets, Astronomy, Spacecraft
Peak of European Migrant Crisis
Year: 2015
Category: Society & Culture
European migrant crisis.
Tags: Migration, Refugees, Humanitarian Crisis, Immigration, European Union, Civil War, Globalization
Women's March Held Across the Globe
Year: 2017
Category: Society & Culture
January 21: Millions of people participate in the Women's March in response to the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Tags: Protest, Feminism, Social Movements, Activism, Gender Equality, Human Rights, Political Polarization, Donald Trump
Eliud Kipchoge Breaks Marathon World Record
Year: 2022
Category: Society & Culture
September 25: Eliud Kipchoge sets marathon world record at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.
Tags: Sports, Athletics, Running, Kenya
German Government Instability
Year: 2024
Category: Politics
November 6 - December 31: German government crisis
Tags: Political Instability, Elections, Coalition Government, European Union
