Introduction to History and Historical Periods

Flashcards covering the definition of history, historical sources, and the five major historical periods from Prehistory to the Contemporary Age.

How is History defined in the lecture notes?

History is the science that studies human action over time (a ciência que estuda a ação do ser humano no tempo).

What are historical sources, and who uses them to conduct studies?

Historical sources are traces left behind by society over the years, utilized by professional historians to conduct historical studies.

What examples of historical sources are listed in the notes?

Clothing, artistic artifacts, documents, utensils, constructions, fossils, works of art, photographs, and anything that serves as a trace of the past.

What is the chronological time span of Prehistory (Pré-História)?

From around $2.5\text{ million a.C.}$ to $3500\text{ a.C.}$

What major developments characterized Prehistory?

The appearance of the first human beings, the development of tools, mastery of fire, agriculture, and sedentarization.

Which milestone marks the end of Prehistory?

The invention of writing (a invenção da escrita).

What time period corresponds to the Ancient Age (Idade Antiga)?

From $3500\text{ a.C.}$ to $476\text{ d.C.}$

What key civilizations and political developments arose during the Ancient Age?

The emergence of the first civilizations (such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome), along with the creation of cities, States, and the first legal codes.

Which event marks the end of the Ancient Age (Idade Antiga)?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire (queda do Império Romano do Ocidente).

What are the start and end years of the Middle Ages (Idade Média)?

From $476$ to $1453$.

What were the primary characteristics of the Middle Ages (Idade Média)?

The strengthening of feudalism in Europe, major influence of the Catholic Church, the formation of kingdoms, and the expansion of trade.

Which event marks the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age?

The capture of Constantinople by the Turks (tomada de Constantinopla pelos turcos) in $1453$.

What significant events and processes define the Modern Age (Idade Moderna) from $1453$ to $1789$?

The Renaissance, religious reforms, European maritime expansion, colonization of America, the strengthening of absolutist monarchies, and ending with the French Revolution.

What major processes and events characterize the Contemporary Age (Idade Contemporânea)?

Beginning in $1789$ and continuing to the present day, it includes the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the advancement of science and technology, the formation of nation-states, and major political and social transformations.

According to the notes, what is the ultimate civic purpose of History?

History is an essential tool for shaping critical and conscious citizens (cidadãos críticos e conscientes).