POLITICAL/SOCIAL/CULTURAL EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE (unit 1 and 2)-

• During the black death, Hungary had less casualities because those with type-D blood were immune to the plague.
• During the Protestant Reformation, the Hapsburg Dynasty rose in power. The Hapsburgs unified a large portion of Europe - mostly through marriage (such as the one between Maximilian I of Austria and Mary of Burgundy in 1477).
• During the rise of absolutism, Louis XIII fought and beat the Hapsburgs (Maria Theresa of the Hapsburgs had power over Austria at the time)
• While Louis XIV continued his various wars, he also continued to follow Richelieu's expansionist policy. Louis claimed Spain during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1713). Nobody was quite sure who the heir should be. Austrians, along with the English, Prussians, and Dutch, opposed Louis' claim on Spain. These opposing nations tried to keep the balance of power. They didn't want France getting too strong. A Grand Alliance (which included Austria) was formed among the nations opposing France. They fought Louis and won. Spain and France were not joined under the Sun King.
• Later, there was a rise in power for Austria and Prussia. After the 30 Years War, the Austrian Hapsburgs unified their various lands. Furthermore, they took over Bohemia. Ferdinand III also created a military, centralized the government in Austria, and turned to Hungary for land. After a while, Austria was dragged into a war against the Turks for the ownership of Hungary and Transylvania. However, the Austrian Hapsburgs came out victorious and had control over Hungary and Transylvania. The defeat of the Turks was celebrated in Austria and France. Now Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia were all under control of the Hapsburgs. However, the Hungarian nobility prevented the Hapsburgs from instigating total absolutism.