Renaissance
A cultural rebirth originating in Italy from c. 1300 to 1600, emphasizing a revival of classical learning and art.
Humanism
An intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements during the Renaissance.
Columbian Exchange
The transfer of goods, ideas, people, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds following European exploration.
Protestant Reformation
A movement in the early 16th century led by Martin Luther, criticizing the Catholic Church and emphasizing salvation through faith.
Absolutism
A political system where monarchs hold centralized and unrestricted power, often justified by divine right.
Constitutionalism
A political system in which the power of the monarchy is limited by law, exemplified by the English Civil War and the Bill of Rights.
Scientific Revolution
A period from the 16th to 18th centuries marked by a shift toward observation and experimentation in understanding the natural world.
Enlightenment
An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing political and social reforms.
Mercantilism
An economic theory advocating for state control over trade and the accumulation of wealth through favorable trade balances.
Balance of Power
A principle in international relations aiming to prevent any single power from dominating Europe, influencing alliances and conflicts.