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European History

Free European History study guide: 9 units with summaries, key ideas, flashcards and 45 practice questions with step-by-step solutions.

Lines up with: AP European History; CLEP Western Civilization I and II.

Units

1. UNIT 01

   Renaissance and exploration (c. 1450–1648)

   The Renaissance revived classical learning, the printing press spread ideas, and European states expanded overseas.
2. UNIT 02

   Age of Reformation (c. 1450–1648)

   The Protestant Reformation split Western Christianity, the Catholic Church reformed itself, and religious wars reshaped Europe.
3. UNIT 03

   Absolutism and constitutionalism (c. 1648–1815)

   Some European states concentrated power in absolute monarchs, while England and the Dutch Republic limited royal power.
4. UNIT 04

   Scientific, philosophical and political developments (c. 1648–1815)

   The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment applied reason and observation to nature and society.
5. UNIT 05

   Conflict, crisis and reaction in the late eighteenth century

   The French Revolution overthrew the old order, Napoleon spread its reforms, and the Congress of Vienna tried to restore stability.
6. UNIT 06

   Industrialization and its effects (c. 1815–1914)

   Industrialization changed how Europeans worked and lived, and new ideologies competed to explain and respond to those changes.
7. UNIT 07

   Nineteenth-century perspectives and political developments

   Nationalism unified Italy and Germany, European powers built empires, and new scientific ideas challenged traditional beliefs.
8. UNIT 08

   Twentieth-century global conflicts (c. 1914–present)

   Two world wars, revolution in Russia and the rise of totalitarian states devastated Europe in the first half of the twentieth century.
9. UNIT 09

   Cold War and contemporary Europe (c. 1914–present)

   Postwar Europe split into East and West, rebuilt with US aid, integrated economically and was reshaped by communism's fall.