Unit 1 Overview of AP European History

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and terminology from the first unit of AP European History, focusing on the Renaissance, humanism, and early modern European socio-political developments.

Renaissance

A historical period meaning 'rebirth' characterized by the revival of classical texts and ideas from ancient Rome and Greece.

Humanism

A philosophical stance that emphasizes the unlimited potential of human beings as ends in themselves.

Philology

The study of the history and development of languages.

Civic Humanism

The idea that educated individuals should be actively engaged in local politics.

The Courtier

A book by Baldassari Castiglione that outlines how an educated man should behave in courtly society.

Machiavelli

An important Renaissance thinker known for writing 'The Prince,' which argues for the pragmatic exercise of power by rulers.

Naturalism

Artistic style in the Renaissance that emphasized realism and departed from the flat, symbolic nature of the Middle Ages.

Movable Type Printing Press

A revolutionary technology developed in the 1440s that allowed books to be printed quickly and cheaply, significantly aiding the spread of ideas.

Christian Humanism

A movement that sought to synthesize humanist thought with Christian teachings.

Erasmus

A key figure in Christian humanism known for his work 'In Praise of Folly', which criticized corrupt practices in society and the church.

Mercantilism

An economic system that demanded a favorable balance of trade, emphasizing the accumulation of gold and silver.

Columbian Exchange

The global exchange of goods, flora, fauna, cultural practices, and disease between the Old World and the New World.

Encomienda System

A system in which Spanish colonizers were granted land and the right to demand labor from indigenous peoples.

Joint Stock Company

An economic innovation allowing investors to buy shares in a company, enabling large capital investments.

Urbanization

The migration movement of the landless poor into cities to seek work, often as a result of the enclosure movement.

Price Revolution

A significant increase in prices in Europe during the early modern period, which contributed to the growth of commerce.

Filippo Brunelleschi

An architect known for the dome of the Florence Cathedral, exemplifying Renaissance architectural innovations.

Gutenberg Bible

The first major book printed using movable type, published in 1456, marking a turning point in the accessibility of literature.

Leonardo Bruni

A Renaissance humanist who advocated for republicanism and educated governance.

Peter Bruegel the Elder

A Northern Renaissance artist known for paintings depicting everyday life, such as 'The Peasant Wedding.'