Asceticism. Self denial of sensual and material pleasures. Advocated by many religious sects.

Asgard. Scandinavian abode of the gods.

Asquith, Herbert. 1852-1928. Liberal Prime Minister of England, 1908-16: Pensions and unemployment insurance. Parliament Act.

Assandum, Battle. 1016. Danes defeat English in Essex.

Aswan Dam. 1902. High Dam 1955-70.

Athanasius, St. c296-373. Bishop of Alexandria: advocated Doctine of Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost) vs divinity of Christ. Council of Nicaea.

Athelstan. 895-939. First king of all England 925-. Regulated Royal Mint 928.

Atlantic Cable. 1866. Telegraphic link between North America and Europe.

Atlantic Charter. 1941. British-US declaration of 8 principles of peace and security. Endorsed by >25 nations.

Atlantis. Legendary island which disappeared after earthquake.

Atreus. King of Mycenae. Father of Agamemnon and Menelaus.

Aubigné, Agrippa d’. 1552-1630. French satirical writer and poet: Tragiques.

Aubusson Tapestry Works. 17 and 18C works for aristocracy and bourgeoisie.

Auer, Carl. 1858-1929. Austrian chemist. Incandescent gas lamp 1898.

Augsburg, Peace. 1555. Allowed both Lutheranism and Catholicism within Holy Roman Empire.

Augsburg League. 1686-9. Holy Roman Empire and allies vs France. Replaced by Grand Alliance.

Augustine of Canterbury, St. -c605. Apostle of England 597. First Archbishop of Canterbury 601. Converted King Ethelbert of Kent.

Augustus II. 1670-1733. King of Poland, 1697-. Provoked Northern War.

Augustus III. 1696-1763. King of Poland 1734- after War of Polish Succession.

Auschwitz. 1940-45. German death camp in Poland. 1-4 million killed. Final Solution.

Ausgleich. 1867-1918. Split Empire into Austria and Hungary monarchies.

Austen, Jane. 1775-1817. English novelist: Sense and Sensibility, 1811, Pride and Prejudice, 1813. “the exquisite touch which renders the commonplace interesting”-W. Scott. Emma 1816.

Austerlitz, Battle. Moravia. Napoleon defeats Austrians and Russians, Dec 2, 1805. Peace with Austria.

Australia. c28,000BC Australoids. 1606 Sighted by Portuguese. 1668 Dampier lands. 1770 Cook claims for England. 1788-1868 Penal colonies. 1901 Independent commonwealth.

Austrian Succession, War. 1740-48. Jenkins Ear and King George’s Wars. Maria Theresa recognized. Francis I becomes Holy Roman Emperor. Prussian power shown. Aix-la-Chapelle Treaty. Silesian War.

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