World War I- The Great War was triggered by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalists. When the war started, countries were dragged into the fight due to their alliances. Russia was allied with Serbia and was one of the first to join the cause. By the end of the war, Austria-Hungary had dissolved, and the Russian government had collapsed, allowing communist powers to rise.
World War II- The Nazi Party invaded Poland, triggering the war. All of Europe was forced to choose a side. Bulgaria and the USSR joined the Axis powers. As a result of the war, the USSR became a global superpower, rivaling the United States.
Cold War- The Cold War was a shot-less “war” caused by increasing tensions between the US and the USSR. These tensions were mainly caused by disagreements over political views, but heightened as the Soviet Union developed nuclear bombs. Countries controlled by the USSR at the time had their economies drop. Over time, these countries gained their independence.
Great Depression- The Great Depression occurred in 1929 in the US, then spread to the rest of the world. European economies fell drastically, the unemployment rate skyrocketed. Countries were left in ruins.
Bolshevik Revolution-The Bolshevik Revolution was a revolt against Czar Nicholas II. The revolutionaries were upset because of mistreatment of citizens and food shortages. The country went under communist rule.
Industrial Revolution- This movement began in Britain and spread across the world. Lower class citizens in Russia and other countries were set free from landowners and were then able to support themselves. Also, more efficient products were made faster and cheaper than ever before.
Protestant Reformation- This 16th century movement against the Catholic Church due to people disliking how the church dictated how and what one could pray. Protestants migrated around Europe, and now it is one of the main religions in eastern Europe.
Renaissance- 1300 to 1600 was a time of philosophical, scientific, and artistic change. One cause of this movement was the invention of the printing press, which allowed people's’ ideas to travel farther easier. The citizens of eastern Europe had to find a balance between their native culture and these new ideas, thus changing their way of life.
Enlightenment- Similar to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment period was a time where science was encouraged and superstition was discouraged. Europeans’ generational beliefs were challenged and adjusted for the new world.
Reign of Stephen I- Stephen I was a saint and king of Hungary who spread Christianity across eastern Europe. Christianity would eventually become the dominant religion in the region.
German soldiers (Nazis) invading Poland during World War 2, overlooking a row of dead Polish Jews, who were killed in their home country.
National Flag of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Four men eat a very small dinner during the Great Depression.
Vladimir Lenin gives a speech during the Bolshevik Revolution.
Colonial History: Slavic people migrated to and settled in modern day Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia in the 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries. The Celts first settled in modern day Czech Republic, then got pushed out by the Slavs. The Turks settled in modern day Bulgaria. Slovakia was originally settled by Germanic tribes. The Magyars inhabited modern day Hungary. In modern day Poland lived the Piasts in the late 10th century. The Huns settled in modern day Romania in the 5th century.