Articles written by Lorri Brown
Showing 1-100 of 135 Articles
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Christmas in Benelux
The Low Countries of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, may be small in size, but prove to have plenty of Christmas spirit.
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Christmas in Norway
Christmas traditions in Norway include Advent, Christmas Trees with the Norwegian flag, Christmas gnomes and lutefisk, a national fish dish.
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Italian City-States of the Early Renaissance
Italy has long been credited as the birthplace of the European Renaissance. However, during the early years of the Renaissance, much of Italy was at war.
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Causes of World War I
The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand is credited with starting WWI. However, nationalism, colonialism and economic rivalries were all causes of World War I.
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Christmas in Scandinavia
Scandinavia has several distinct holiday traditions which make Christmas different from the rest of Western Europe.
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Causes of the Boston Tea Party
Taxation without representation and the East India Company trade monopoly were two important causes of the Boston Tea Party.
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Martha Washington
Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, came from a life of privilege living on plantations in Virginia.
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Vampires in Western Europe
At the beginning of the 19th Century, before Bram Stoker penned Dracula, the first vampire story took shape in a vacation home in Switzerland, along with Frankenstein.
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The History of Oktoberfest
Each year in late September into early October, the German State of Bavaria is overrun with tourists who come for its annual Oktoberfest beer festival.
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Napoleon's Family Rules Europe
Napoleon Bonaparte appoints several relatives to rule various parts of Europe, strengthening the power of the French Empire.
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Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo marks the last stand for Napoleon Bonaparte. After his defeat by the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon was banished to the remote island of St.
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Washburn-Norlands Living History Center
Washburn-Norlands Living History Center captures a period in American history long since gone, in a unique and interesting way.
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Viking Society
Viking society was made up of three distinct classes- landowning nobles, freeman and slaves. Vikings warriors came mainly from the noble and freeman classes.
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The Vikings
The Vikings of Scandinavia attacked and colonized many parts of Europe, as well expanding settlements to the New World.
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Palace of Versailles
Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles to keep his nobles and government officals under his control. Versailles became a symbol of absolutism throughout Europe.
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Thomas Münzer
Following the posting of Martin Luther's 95 Thesis, a Protestant Reformer named Thomas Münzer, rallied peasants to revolt against local government.
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European Agriculture
Thanks to huge population increases between 1500 to 1815, agriculture in Europe expanded with more crops and new farming techniques.
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Austria-Hungary
Although today they are two different countries, Austria and Hungary were once joined together in a dual monarchy which lasted from 1867 through World War I.
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War of Austrian Succession
Maria Theresa must fight off Prussia and the Bourbon Family for her right to rule as Empress of Austria.
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Charles V
Charles V, known as the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles I of Spain and the Duke of Burgandy, spent much of his reign fighting or making treaties with France and England.
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The Great European Witch Hunt
The Wars of Religion that erupted in Western Europe during the 1500s, was accompanied by an increase in witch hunting, which lasted through the 1600s.
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How Hagia Sophia was Built
Byzantine Emperor Justinian built the great Christian church, Hagia Sophia, but soon ran into many problems.
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Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great, becoming one of the most elaborate Christian churches in Europe.
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Renaissance Pilgrims
Thanks to increased travel during the European Renaissance, pilgrims were able to visit many religious sites all over Europe.
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Renaissance Travel
As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages, people began to venture farther from home. Pilgrims, peddlers, soldiers and sailors traveled all over the world.
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Farming During the Renaissance
Farming during the European Renaissance brought about new advances in agriculture.
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Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette
A failed escape attempt by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette ended up sending them both to the guillotine during the French Revolution.
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What Really Killed Marie Antoinette
Hateful propaganda called Libelles tarnished Marie Antoinette's reputation, helping to speed up the French Revolution and her death at the guillotine.
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Louis XVIII of France
Following the defeat of Napoleon, Louis XVIII returned to France. For 10 years the king tried to balance his power with the ideals of the French Revolution.
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Munich Beer Hall Putsch
In 1923 Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party, inspired by Mussolini's easy take over Italy, tried to overthrow the Weimar Republic in a Bavarian beer hall.
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Renaissance Housing
The Renaissance saw an explosion of finely crafted manor homes, from Italian Villas to French Chateaus. Medieval Castles gave way to beautiful manors and town homes.
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The Revolt of The Netherlands
Religious uprisings by Dutch Calvinists helped establish Dutch Independence from Spain. The Dutch Revolt was led by Protestant leader, William the Silent.
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Napoleon Declares France an Empire
Following the French Revolution, Napoleon declares France an Empire and makes himself Emperor.
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Th Concordat of 1801
In order to consolidate power, Napoleon and Pope Pius VII sign the Concordat of 1801, giving Napoleon power over choosing Catholic Clergy.
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Napoleonic Codes
After the French Revolution, Napoleon establishes a new set of laws known as the Napoleonic Code. Many countries still use the ideas from the Napoleonic code today.
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Napoleon Becomes Ruler of France
Napoleon Bonaparte rises through the military to declare himself emperor of France. He ideas of destiny change the face of Europe during the 19th Century.
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Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on Corsica and became a military hero during the French Revolution. He declared himself Consul for Life and later Emperor of France.
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How Belgium Gained Independence
In 1830 Belgium finally gained independence from the Dutch, with Leopold I becoming King of Belgium. It was declared a neutral country, which lasted until World War I.
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The Storming of The Bastille
Thr storming of the Bastille, July 14, 1789, marks the beginning of the French Revolution and the downfall of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
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The Marie Antoinette House in Maine
During the French Revolution, a plot was hatched by a sea captain to rescue Marie Antoinette and bring her to his home in Wiscasset Maine.
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Father Sebastian Rasle
During the late 1600s Jesuit missionary Father Sebastian Rasle arrived in America, with the goal of converting the native Abneki people to Catholicism.
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Battle of Solway Moss
In the marshy borderlands between Scotland and England, the Battle of Solway Moss was fought, with James V's Scottish lords being soundly beaten by Henry VIII's army.
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Pope Gregory VII
Pope Gregory VII helped bring Christianity to the forefront of everyday life during the Middle Ages. He stopped the practice of Lay Investiture, and curbed rulers power.
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Protestant Refomation Leaders
During the 1600s religion underwent a huge change in Western Europe. From Scotland and England to France, Switzerland and Germany, new branches of Christianity had formed
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Charles II
Charles II fought for the English throne during the English Civil War, fighting Oliver Cromwell and his roundheads. His reign marks the Restoration period in England.
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John Calvin Comes to Geneva
Even though the Protestant Reformation arrived in what is now Switzerland in the 1520s with reformer Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin usually gets all the credit.
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Ulrich Zwingli
Right around the time that Martin Luther was posting his 95 Theses in Wittenberg Germany, another Protestant reformer was doing similar things in the Swiss city of Zurich
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The Stuart Monarchs
The house of Stuart ruled England, Scotland and Ireland from 1603 until 1714. They ruled during the English Civil War as well as the Restoration period of Charles II.
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Union of Kalmar
The Union of Kalmar united Sweden, Denmark and Norway under one ruler, Queen Margrethe. Formed to challenge the Hanseatic League, the union lasted 126 years.
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The Name of Mary,Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots was born a Stewart and married a Stuart. Both are names of great dynasties in Scotland and England.
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Book Review of Marie Thérèse
Book Review of Marie Thérèse, Child of Terror: The Fate of Marie Antoinette's Daughter, by Susan Nagel's
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The Tudor Dynasty
The House of Tudor is probably the most famous of all English royal families. Having come to power during the height of the European Renaissance, the Tudor Dynasty would
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Dutch East India Company
The Dutch East India Company was a joint stock company who monopolized the spice trade of the 17th century. They established trading ports all over Asia.
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The Estates General
The Estates General was the governing body of France since the Middle Ages. By the French Revolution the Third Estate has decided to make some changes.
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What Caused the French Revolution
Money problems, an outdated social system and the influence of the American Revolution all played a role in the start of the French Revolution.
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Trade in The Dutch Golden Age
The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th Century was brought about in part by religious toleration and successful trade with the rest of Western Europe.
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The House of Bourbon
The House of Bourbon saw the rise of the absolute monarch in France and the end of the French Monarchy. The palace of Versailles was built by a bourbon king.
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The House of Valois
The House of Valois ruled during the European Renaissance, Protestant reformation, and the French Wars of Religion.
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Lola Montez
Lola Montez was the mistress of King Ludwig I of Bavaria.
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Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria, Germany has rich history of kings and castles. Ludwig I helped transform Bavaria into a cultural capital, while his grandson, Ludwig II built Neuschwanstein.
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The Hanseatic League
The Hanseatic League was made up of several German merchants and helped establish trade throughout northern Europe.
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Renaissance Movers & Shakers
Nicolaus Copernicus, Leonardo Da Vinci, Johannes Gutenburg, Niccolo Machiavelli and Martin Luther were five people who changed the European Renaissance.
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Life During The Renaissance
Daily life during the European Renaissance reflected the great changes in politics, learning, religion and art.
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Religion in European History
The Protestant Reformation was established in Europe by Martin Luther. The Counter Reformation followed by Wars of Religion in France.
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European Intellectual Movements
Humanism, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment and Romaniticism all helped shape societies in Western Euope, as well as the world at large.
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The Jesuits
Ignatius of Loyola establishes the Jesuit Order to stop the spread of Protestantism in the 16th Century.
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Romantic Literature
Romantic literature focuses on nature, emotion, love and fear. Romantic writers include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, William Wordsworth, Mary Shelly and Emily Bronte.
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Romantic Art
Romantic art was characterized by a renewed interest in history and religion and by the new idea of nationalism, that emerged after the French Revolution.
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The Romantic Movement
Romanticism takes root in Germany and England and Inspires the French Revolution, influencing art, literature and music.
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Nell Gwyn
A plucky little girl, raised in the slums of London would rise to become one of England's most prominent women as the mistress of lusty Charles II during the Restoration.
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Women and The Enlightenment
French women helped spread the enlightenment through their salons, where French philosophes mixed with the most brilliant thinkers of Europe.
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Thinkers of the Enlightenment
French philosophers of the Enlightenment, including Montaigne, Descartes and Voltaire.
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The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment, an intellectual movement of the Eighteenth Century, was characterized by interest in social progress and reason.
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The Epiphany
In many parts of Western Europe, the Christmas season comes to an official close on January 6th, the Epiphany.
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Holiday Saints
Various saints of Western Europe that are part of Christmas and New Years traditions, including Saint Basil, Saint Nicholas and Saint Lucia.
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Nicolaus Copernicus
By questioning accepted scientific thought, Copernicus helped lay the foundation for the coming Scientific Revolution of the 18th Century.
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The Early Scientific Revolution
Changes in world views happened during the Scientific Revolution of the 18th Century. However, early thinkers, as far back as the 1300s helped lay the foundation.
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The Many Figures of Christmas
There are many different Christmas traditions in Western Europe. History, folk lore and religion have all intermeshed to create various Christmas gift-bearers.
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The Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna was a peace conference held after the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th Century. It redrew the boundaries of Germany and Prussia.
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Christmas in Austria
One of the most famous holiday traditions from Austria is the popular Christmas carol, Silent Night.
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Frederick the Great
Frederick the Great brought prosperity to Prussia during the 18th century, establishing The Enlightenment and fighting wars with Austria, Russia and France.
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How America Invented Santa Clause
Santa Clause is an American invention, blending the Dutch Sinter Klass the British Father Christmas and the German Christkindle.
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Colonial Christmas Traditions
Early Colonial settlers in America brought distinct Christmas traditions from England, The Netherlands and Eastern Europe,including Sinter Klass and the Christmas Putz.
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Christmas in Spain
Spanish Christmas festivities are centered around Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) and the Epiphany, when the Three Kings bring gifts for the children.
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Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene, as a way to make the Christmas season a time of peace and goodwill.
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Christmas in Italy
Italy, the center of the Catholic Church, has a long history of Christmas traditions, including the presepio, La Befana and ceppos.
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Christmas in The Netherlands
Christmas traditions in the Netherlands revolve around the celebration of Saint Nicholas, which takes place on December 6th.
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History of Saint Lucia
With long winter nights and short days, it is no wonder that the celebration of St. Lucia, the patron saint of light, is an important part of Christmas in Sweden.
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Christmas in Sweden
Christmas in Sweden goes back to pagan festivals relating to Thor and Saint Lucia. Sweden has developed many holiday traditions, many of which are still practiced today.
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Christmas in Germany
Many modern Christmas symbols, such as the Christmas Tree, come from German traditions.
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Martin Luther and Christmas
During the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th Century, many old customs were abandoned in favor of new ones believed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
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Frederick William I
Frederick William I was the first king of Prussia. He would establish Absolutism in Prussia and give the state its distinct military character.
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Christmas in France
Christmas in France has many unique holiday customs, such as Pere Noel and a Christmas Creche instead of a Christmas tree.
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The History of Prussia
Prussia rose to great importance through its association with the Elector of Brandenburg, and became a huge power during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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German Unification
Overview of the struggle for unification in 19th-Century Germany, under Otto Von Bismark and the Kaiser.
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James V
James V was king of Scotland from 1513-1542. He was succeeded by his daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, after his death following the Battle of Solway Moss.
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Harvest Festivals
Western Europe has many harvest celebrations each autumn, including Oktoberfest, Martinsmas, and Saint Leopold's Day.
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Mary Queen of Scots
One of the most popular figures in western European history is Mary Queen of Scots, who became the pawn of some of the most powerful players in Europe.
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Diane de Poitiers and Henri II
Diane de Poiters ruled France alongside Henri II for over a decade. Her early influence on the French prince's life was an important factor.
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Diane de Poitiers
The early life of Diane de Poitiers showed her to be one of the most ambitious women of the Renaissance.
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