Renaissance to Reformation: Key Developments in Europe

Renaissance

European movement from the rediscovery of classical texts of Ancient Greece and Rome

Humanism

Philosophy focusing on the unlimited potential of human beings

Philology

Study of language history and development

Secularism

Decoupling of religious belief from society

Individualism

Emphasis on the triumph of the individual over the community

Civic Humanism

Application of intellectual work to political and economic realities of the state

Printing Press

Invention by Johannes Gutenberg that revolutionized the spread of ideas

Christian Humanism

Movement seeking reform through the study of Christian texts

New Monarchs

Rulers consolidating power by reducing Church and noble influence

Mercantilism

Economic theory focusing on exporting more than importing for wealth

Reconquista

Campaign by Spain to drive out Jews and Muslims and promote Catholicism

Maritime Empires

Sea-based empires expanding through exploration and trade

Astrolabe

Navigation tool for determining latitude

Treaty of Tordesillas

Agreement dividing land between Spain and Portugal for exploration

Columbian Exchange

Global transfer of organisms between Old and New Worlds due to European Imperialism

Cast System

Social hierarchy system based on race and ancestry

Encomienda

Labor system in Spanish colonies granting land and labor of indigenous people to settlers

African Slave Trade

Trade system centered around the establishment of plantation economies in the Americas

Middle Passage

Voyage of slave ships from Africa to the Americas

Commercial Revolution

Shift to a money-based economy in Europe, with the rise of banks and commerce

Bank Europe

Financial institution pivotal in the European money economy

Barter System

Trading goods and services directly without money

Double Entry Book System

Accounting method to record financial transactions

Dutch East India Company

Prominent joint-stock company in Dutch trade history

Price Revolution

Period of significant price inflation due to silver influx

Enclosure Movement

English land privatization negatively impacting peasants

Nobles of the Robe

Wealthy commoners buying nobility during Commercial Revolution

Serfdom Changes

Shifts in serfdom freedom and urban migration impact

Unit 2 (1450-1648)

Historical period encompassing significant events in Europe

Protestant Reformation

Religious reform movement challenging Catholic practices

Simony

Selling of Church offices for monetary gain

Sola Scriptura

Belief in the Bible as the ultimate Christian authority

95 Theses

Martin Luther's propositions against Catholic practices

Diet of Worms

Imperial assembly that excommunicated Martin Luther

Predestination

Belief that God has already chosen who will be saved

Doctrine of the Elect

Concept similar to predestination in Calvinism

Church of England

Religious body formed under Queen Elizabeth I

Wars of Religion

Conflicts in Europe over religious differences

Huguenots

French Protestant group in conflict with Catholics

Massacre of Vassy

Violent event targeting French Huguenots

St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre

Mass killing of Huguenots in Paris

War of the 3 Henry's

Political turmoil involving French factions

Edict of Nantes

Decree granting religious freedom in France

Catholic Counter Reformation

Catholic response to the Protestant Reformation