There were a few historical era names I wasn’t sure about: where they landed in history, why they were called that and what happened during that time. I investigated.
Note: Many of these events relate to European (particularly western European). If you want to add some history to this post or if there is an era you think should be included here, leave it in the comments! I’ll continue to update this post as I run into new nicknames.
AGE OF DISCOVERY
When:Â Late 1400s-1700s
The period when globalization began due to extensive overseas exploration by European pioneers. Colonialism, trade and the rapid spread of European religion and illnesses soon followed.
AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
When:Â 1715-1789
The cultural movement in France associated with major developments to science and politics that lead to the downfall of the monarchy.
ANCIENT HISTORY
When: The beginning of recorded history to the Middle Ages.
The invention of agriculture;Â Bronze Age, Neolithic Age, Iron Age;Â the building of the pyramids in Egypt and the rule of Hatshepsut; first Olympic games in Greece; Alexander the Great.
DARK AGES
When: Early Middle Ages (450-1000), just after the fall of Rome
Byzantine Empire; Christianity is adopted in many parts; Viking raids begin in Britain.
EDWARDIAN ERA
When:Â 1901-1910, or sometimes until WWI
Women fight for the vote. General peace and prosperity leading up to World War I.
ELIZABETHAN ERA
When:Â 1558-1603
Elizabeth I’s rule over England. A prosperous time of economic and cultural growth. Shakespeare arrives in the London theatre scene. Trade with the Americas ramps up.
FRENCH REVOLUTION
When:Â 1789-1799
The overthrow of the French monarchy as a direct result of the Age of Enlightenment. France establishes a republic but at the cost of violence, turmoil and a rough economy.
GEORGIAN ERA
When:Â 1714-1830
England during the reigns of George I, II, III and IV. An era of social and political change, including the establishment of Robert Walpole who is considered to be the first prime minister.
GILDED AGE
When:Â 1870s-1900 in the United States
A boom in economic growth in the US, drawing an influx of European workers.
GLORIOUS REVOLUTION
When:Â 1688-89
The overthrow of the James II and the ascension of William of Orange/William III.
HIGH MIDDLE AGES
When:Â 1001-1300
Norman conquest in 1066; William the Conquerer is crowned; rapid increase of European population; signing of the Magna Carta; rise of chivalry; the Crusades; Eleanor of Aquitaine is Queen consort of England and France.
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
When:Â 1760-1830-ish
The transition to new manufacturing methods in many different industries. Major developments in water, steam, chemical and machine manufacturing. Many aspects of daily life are forever changed and standard of living increases.
INTERWAR
When:Â Mid-Nov, 1918 – Aug 1939
The span of 20 years between World War I and World War II.
LATE MIDDLE AGES
When: 1301-1500
The Great Famine; the Black Death; the Hundred Years’ War; Peasants’ Revolt; War of the Roses; Italian Renaissance begins.
MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Another title for the Middle Ages.
MIDDLE AGES
When:Â 5th-15th century
Covers the time between the fall of the Roman Empire until the Renaissance.
NAPOLEONIC ERA
When:Â November 1799-June 1815
Final stage of the French Revolution when Napoleon seizes power in France until his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
PROTESTANT REFORMATION
When:Â 1517-1648
Began in Germany but eventually spread throughout Europe, in response to many Christians disagreeing with the Catholic Church on certain practices.
REGENCY ERA
When:Â 1811-1820
A sub-era of the Georgian period. Due to mental illness, George III was deemed unfit to rule England so his son, the future George IV, ruled in his stead for nine years until his father’s death. A period of great achievement in fine arts, notably the publication of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
RENAISSANCE
When: Between 1300-1600
Cultural movement across Europe, most notably in Italy; da Vinci, Botticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo, Titian, Raphael, El Greco, van Eyck and Holbein create great works of art during this period.
ROMANTIC ERA
When:Â 1800-1850
Major cultural movement across Europe in art, literature, music and intellectualism.
SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT
When:Â 1700s-early 1800s
Rapid advancements in Scotland in industries related to science, politics, philosophy, architecture, engineering, medicine and more.
VICTORIAN ERA
When:Â June 1837-January 1901
Queen Victoria ruled for a long time over a lot of different territories. Industrial and population boom in Britain as well as a change to a more strict moral code. Ironically enough, Jack the Ripper is one of the best-known figures from Victorian times.
Jillianne Hamilton is a history enthusiast and the author of 
Some key American eras to also include are below. These are important since American culture and history has had an influence on the world and these eras are often referred to in historical writing and literature:
Colonial Period – 1607 – 1788.
Federalist Period: 1788-1820.
Antebellum Period: 1801-1860.
The Progressive Era: 1897-1920.
The Depression: 1929-1939 (both US and UK).
The Beatnik Era: 1948-1962 (both US and UK).
The Civil Rights Era: 1954 – 1968.
These are great, thanks!