Common law had its beginning during the reign of Henry 2

King John signed the Magna carta, limiting the kings power

The Hundred Years War between England and France helped define England as a nation

Evolution of Parliment (law making body)

William leader of the Norman Conquest, united most of England.

England

The Hundred Years War between England and France helped define France as a nation.

Hugh Capet established the French throne in Paris and his dynasty gradually expanded their control over France

Joan of Arc was a unifying power

France

Power was centralized in the hands of the Czar.

Ivan II threw off the rule of the Mongols, centralized power in Moscow, and expanded the Russian nation.

The Orthadox Church influenced unification

Russia

Ferdinand and Isabelka unified the country and expelled the Jews and Moors.

Spanish Empire in the Western Hemisphere expanded under Charles 5

Spain