European History

European history can be divided and understood in many ways. Write a history of Europe in two periods (defined above) using environmental and technological OR scientific, intellectual, and cultural events as dividing points or moments of change [Note: on the exam, only one of these sets of themes will be offered; please prepare answers for both sets]. How does this approach redefine European history in significant ways? What is revealed when we periodize history according to these turning points rather than more traditional moments of change defined by politics, religion, or war?