This document provides an overview of several major historical periods and events: - The Renaissance from 1350-1550 marked a rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman ideas, art, culture, and philosophy in Europe. - In response to crises in the 17th century, many leaders adopted absolutism as a political philosophy to seek more power to deal with problems facing their states. - The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the 1700s and spread to other countries, significantly impacting economics, politics, and society through technological advances like railroads. - World War I was a global military conflict from 1914-1918 that began as a local European war and transformed into a general struggle involving over 30 nations.