One Europe: The Dream of Unity : Together, by Force

Map 1: Europe emerged from collapse of Roman Empire, which stretched across Mediterranean world and into Africa. Map 2: By 10th Century, Europe had distinct identity. But it was far from united. French Emperor Napoleon later seized control of much of it, but only for four years. Map 3: In this century, the German-led Axis powers laid claim to even more of Europe than Napoleon had. But their violent empire, too, was short-lived. SOURCE: The Times Atlas of World History