Renaissance
A period of cultural rebirth in Europe characterized by a revival of interest in the arts and sciences.
Humanism
An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that focused on human potential and achievements.
Printing Press
A machine invented in the 15th century that facilitated the mass production of books and the spread of knowledge.
Characteristics of New Art
Innovative techniques and styles in art that emerged during the Renaissance, including perspective and chiaroscuro.
Medici Family
A powerful Italian family that became notable patrons of the arts during the Renaissance.
Protestant Reformation
A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and reformed the Roman Catholic Church.
Erasmus
A Dutch humanist and theologian who played a key role in the early stages of the Protestant Reformation.
Martin Luther
A key figure in the Protestant Reformation known for his 95 Theses that criticized the Catholic Church.
95 Theses
A list of propositions for debate challenging the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences.
Indulgence
A grant by the Pope of remission of the temporal punishment in purgatory, reduced the time a soul would spend there.
John Calvin
A leader of the Protestant Reformation who developed the Christian theology known as Calvinism.
Predestination
The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save.
Henry VIII
King of England who initiated the English Reformation and established the Church of England.
Jesuits
Members of the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order founded to counter the Protestant Reformation.
Peace of Augsburg
A treaty that allowed for the coexistence of Catholicism and Lutheranism in Germany.
French Wars of Religion
A series of conflicts in France from 1562 to 1598 primarily fought between Catholics and Huguenots.
Absolute Monarchy
A form of government where the monarch has absolute power and is not bound by laws or constitution.
Baroque Art
An artistic style characterized by dramatic expression, grandeur, and tension, prevalent in the 17th century.
Charles V
Holy Roman Emperor whose reign encompassed vast territories in Europe and initiated multiple wars.
30 Years' War
A series of wars in Central Europe from 1618 to 1648, initially fought over religious conflicts.
Peter the Great
Tsar of Russia known for his extensive reforms in an attempt to establish Russia as a great nation.
Mercantilism
An economic theory advocating for government regulation of a nationās economy to augment state power.
Scientific Revolution
A period of major advances in scientific thought during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Inductive Reasoning
A method of reasoning in which the premises are viewed as supplying strong evidence for the truth of the conclusion.
Natural Rights
Rights that are considered inherent and universal, often associated with the Enlightenment thinkers.
Social Contract
Philosophical work by Rousseau
Napoleon Bonaparte
A French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and its associated wars.
Congress of Vienna
A conference of ambassadors of European states held in Vienna from 1814 to 1815 to provide a long-term peace.
Montesquieu
A French philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers within government.
Wollstonecraft
An early advocate for women's rights and education, known for her work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'.
Renaissance Architecture
A style of building design that emerged during the Renaissance, characterized by symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns.
Patronage of the Arts
Support that kings, popes, and wealthy individuals provided to artists and writers, facilitating the flourishing of artistic expression during the Renaissance.