Renaissance and Exploration Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and ideas related to the Renaissance and Exploration periods.

Renaissance

Literally means 'rebirth' and signifies a renewed interest in Ancient Greek and Roman cultures.

Individualism

The drive for individual achievement and personal success, prevalent during the Renaissance.

Humanism

A philosophy emphasizing the potential of human beings, drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman cultures.

Medici

A powerful banking family in Florence, known for their patronage of the arts during the Renaissance.

Gold Florin

The first internationally recognized currency, established by the Medici's Bank in Florence.

Civic Humanism

The belief in the importance of individual contributions to society and governance, highlighted in Castiglione's 'The Courtier'.

Machiavelli

An Italian political philosopher known for his work 'The Prince', advocating for pragmatic and sometimes ruthless leadership.

Printing Press

An invention that revolutionized access to books and increased literacy rates in Europe.

N. Humanism

A variant of humanism in Northern Europe characterized by a focus on Christian values and everyday life.

Desiderius Erasmus

A Christian humanist who criticized Church corruption and advocated for reform in his work 'In Praise of Folly'.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, and diseases between the Americas and Europe following Columbus's voyages.

Mercantilism

An economic theory emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth through trade, establishing colonies, and government regulation.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal dividing newly discovered land to avoid conflict.

Encomienda System

A labor system that permitted colonists to extract tribute and labor from indigenous people.

Machiavelli's quote

'The end justifies the means', used to justify unethical actions for greater goals, particularly in politics.

Agricultural Revolution

A shift from subsistence to commercial farming that set the stage for the Industrial Revolution.