AP European History, Unit 1
Renaissance
A period of cultural and intellectual rebirth that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe until the 17th century.
Humanism
A philosophical movement that emphasized the value and agency of human beings, focusing on education, reason, and the study of classical literature.
Renaissance Art
Characterized by renewed interest in classical forms and realism, utilizing techniques like perspective and chiaroscuro.
Scientific Method
A method emphasizing observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence that revolutionized scientific inquiry.
Printing Press
Invented by Johannes Gutenberg, it allowed for the widespread dissemination of books and ideas, increasing literacy and knowledge.
Italian Renaissance
A cultural and artistic movement that started in Italy in the 14th century, marked by humanism and the revival of classical learning.
Florence
A leading city in the Italian Renaissance known for its art, architecture, and intellectual influence.
Albrecht Dürer
A German artist known for detailed engravings and woodcuts, considered a key figure in the Northern Renaissance.
Martin Luther
A key figure in the Protestant Reformation whose writings criticized the Catholic Church and promoted religious reform.
Columbian Exchange
The exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and the New World following Columbus's arrival in 1492.
Triangular Trade
A trade system involving Europe, Africa, and the Americas, where goods, slaves, and raw materials were exchanged.
New Monarchies
The period from 1450 to 1648 characterized by powerful monarchies that centralized authority and established bureaucracies.
Exploration
The Age of Exploration involved European voyages across oceans in pursuit of new trade routes and territories.
Patronage
Support granted by wealthy families, such as the Medici, that facilitated the growth of arts and culture during the Renaissance.
Chiaroscuro
A technique in art that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth.
Perspective
An artistic technique used to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface, significantly developed during the Renaissance.
Mercantilism
An economic theory practiced during the Commercial Revolution, focusing on trade, accumulation of wealth, and colonial expansion.
Protestant Reformation
A religious movement in the 16th century that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the establishment of Protestant churches.
Joint-Stock Companies
Business entities that allowed investors to pool resources and share risks and profits, emerging during the Commercial Revolution.
Cultural Exchange
The mutual sharing of ideas, goods, and technologies that occurred through exploration and colonization.
Vernacular Literature
Literature written in the local language, as opposed to Latin, which flourished during the Renaissance.
Leonardo da Vinci
A prominent artist and polymath of the Renaissance known for masterpieces such as the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'.
Galileo Galilei
A key scientist of the Renaissance whose works laid foundations for modern physics and astronomy.
William Shakespeare
A legendary English playwright and poet of the Renaissance, known for works like 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Dante Alighieri
An Italian poet whose work 'Divine Comedy' is considered a cornerstone of Italian literature.
Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible)
The first Tsar of Russia who centralized power and expanded the territory of the Russian state.
Social Class Structure
The hierarchy that emerged during the Renaissance and Commercial Revolution, characterized by the rise of the middle class.
Exploration Causes
Factors such as trade desires, religious motivations, technological advancements, and competition among nations that prompted exploration.