Modern Period History: Concepts and Transitions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the lecture on the transition to the modern age, the Renaissance, Reformation, Industrial Revolution, and Imperialism.

History

The study of changing patterns in society, divided by historians into three periods: ancient, medieval, and modern.

Rationalism

Feature of the modern age involving the examination of everything in the light of reason rather than blind faith or superstition.

Humanism

The belief that human beings, rather than God, are the center of the world.

Primary Sources

Original documents such as letters, government reports, newsreels, audio recordings, and archaeological remains preserved in archives and museums.

Secondary Sources

Interpretations of primary sources provided by historians in the form of reports, reviews, articles, and books.

Renaissance

Literally meaning 'rebirth,' this cultural movement (14th to 17th century) began in Italy and aimed to revive the classical learning and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

Reformation

A 16th-century movement that questioned the practices and special power of the Roman Catholic Church, encouraging people to follow the Bible as the supreme authority.

Protestants

Individuals who spoke out against the rich, powerful, and corrupt practices of the Church; the movement was led by figures like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin.

Catholic Reformation

A movement within the Roman Catholic Church begun in response to the Protestant Reformation to restore the Church's reputation and credibility.

Astrolabe

An instrument used by sailors to check their location or position in the sea.

Mariner's Compass

An instrument with a magnetic needle that always points north, used for finding directions.

Industrial Revolution

The transformation from a domestic system of production to a factory system using machine-made goods, beginning in England in the mid-18th century.

Capitalism

An economic and political system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit.

Urbanization

The development of cities and the movement of people from villages to industrial towns like Manchester and Liverpool in search of work.

Imperialism

A policy of extending political and economic control over weaker countries, especially by acquiring colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Deurbanization

A situation where people leave a town or city to move to other areas, often following the decline of traditional local industries.

Cash Crops

Crops such as tobacco, indigo, or cotton that are grown to be sold in the market rather than for personal use by the farmer.

Archives

Places where maps, photographs, and historical documents are kept.

Colony

A country or area that is ruled by people from another, more powerful country.