AP Euro Unit 1 Notes: Renaissance and Exploration

Renaissance

A period of cultural and intellectual rebirth from the 14th to the 17th century, characterized by renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and the arts.

Humanism

A philosophical movement emphasizing the value and agency of human beings and the study of classical literature and philosophy.

Chiaroscuro

An artistic technique used in painting to create depth through the use of strong contrasts between light and dark.

Sfumato

A painting technique that creates a soft transition between colors and tones.

Scientific Method

An empirical method of procedure involving observation and experimentation to acquire knowledge.

Perspective

An artistic technique used to create the illusion of depth and space in two-dimensional art.

Printing Press

An invention by Johannes Gutenberg that revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge in the mid-15th century.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and the New World following Columbus's voyage.

Triangular Trade

A historical trade route that exchanged goods and enslaved people among Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Exploration

The action of traveling to new territories for discovery and colonization purposes.

Protestant Reformation

A 16th-century movement against the Catholic Church that led to the establishment of Protestant churches.

New Monarchies

The period from 1450 to 1648 when European monarchies centralized power and established strong centralized states.

Economic Expansion

A phase characterized by increased productivity and trade, often associated with the Commercial Revolution.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in managing and regulating trade for national profit.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership and the free market.

Urbanization

The process of population growth in cities and towns.

Renaissance Art

Art from the Renaissance period characterized by realism, classical themes, and humanism.

Leonardo da Vinci

A key figure of the Renaissance known for masterpieces such as the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'.

Michelangelo

An artist renowned for works like 'David' and the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Renaissance.

William Shakespeare

A prominent playwright of the Renaissance known for works such as 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Galileo Galilei

A scientist known for his contributions to astronomy and physics during the Renaissance.

Dante Alighieri

An Italian poet known for 'The Divine Comedy,' a significant work of Renaissance literature.

Petrarch

An Italian scholar and poet who influenced the development of the Italian language and literature.

Boccaccio

An Italian writer known for 'The Decameron,' a collection of short stories from the Renaissance period.

Albrecht Dürer

A German artist of the Northern Renaissance known for his detailed engravings.

Jan van Eyck

A Flemish painter recognized for his detailed oil paintings and the Ghent Altarpiece.

Desiderius Erasmus

A Dutch humanist known for his criticism of the Church and advocacy for education.

Ivan III

A Russian ruler who united Russia and established the Grand Principality of Moscow.

Queen Isabella I

Queen of Spain who unified the country and sponsored Columbus's voyage.

King Henry VIII

King of England who established the Church of England and centralized power during his reign.

King Louis XI

French king known for centralizing power and strengthening the monarchy.

King Francis I

French king who institutionalized royal power in the Renaissance.

King Charles I

Spanish king who expanded the Habsburg empire and became Holy Roman Emperor.

Ivan IV

Russian ruler known as Ivan the Terrible, who centralized power and expanded territory.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese explorer known for leading the first circumnavigation of the globe.

Vasco da Gama

Portuguese explorer who first reached India by sea.

Francis Drake

English explorer and naval commander who circumnavigated the globe.

Impact of the Slave Trade

The historical consequences of the transatlantic slave trade, affecting demographics, economies, and societies.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided the New World between the two powers.

Scientific Advancements

Innovations in science that characterized the Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance.

Colonization

The process of establishing control over foreign territories, often leading to exploitation of resources.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Plague Outbreaks

Epidemics that led to significant population declines and impacted European society.

Rise of Nation-States

The formation of centralized governments that exert control over a defined territory.

Patriarchal Society

A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of leadership.

Technological Advancements

Innovations in navigation, shipbuilding, and cartography that facilitated exploration.

Renaissance Literature

Literature from the Renaissance period emphasizing humanism and individual experiences.

Roman Catholic Church

The central institution of Christianity during the Renaissance, which faced significant criticism.

Economic Growth

An increase in the production and consumption of goods and services in an economy.

Global Trade

The exchange of goods and services across international borders, which expanded during the Renaissance.

Abolition of the Slave Trade

The movement that led to the end of the transatlantic slave trade in the 19th century.

Consumer Culture

A societal trend characterized by the acquisition of goods and services for personal use.