- Franco-Prussian War: July 19 - May 10, 1871
- Prussian victory led to the unification of Germany and the proclamation of the German Empire
- Unification of Italy: Rome occupied by Italian troops on September 20
- The Third Republic is established in France after a plebiscite on May 5
- Papal Infallibility is declared as an ex cathedra definition of the Catholic Church
- The Liberal government of Spain declared war on Morocco, which led to the capture of Tétouan
- In Britain, the Education Act was passed, making elementary education universal and free
- The Suez Canal is opened on November 17, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean
- The Franco-Prussian War had profound consequences for Europe, including the rise of the German Empire, the fall of the French Second Empire, and the establishment of the Third Republic in France.