rev 1, renaissance and reformation

Renaissance Economy

A revival of trade centered in Italy, marked by the emergence of a wealthy merchant class.

Merchant class

Wealthy individuals who dominated trade, bookkeeping, and markets, significantly influencing the economy and politics of city-states.

Hanseatic League

A commercial alliance of cities in the Baltic and Northern Europe competing with Italian merchants.

Medici

The largest banking house in Europe, based in Florence, influential in Renaissance trade and politics.

Second Estate

Nobility expected to be educated and engaged in the arts and civic virtue; follows the Law of Primogeniture.

Primogeniture

The law that the eldest son inherits the entire estate, impacting familial power dynamics.

Book of the Courtier

Written by Castiglione, it outlines the expectations and conduct of nobles.

Third Estate

The commoners, making up about 90% of the population, many of whom were farmers affected by the Plague.

Women's roles in Renaissance

Women had no political or economic rights, were expected to manage households and bear children.

Italian City-States

Independent regions such as Florence and Venice, which often acted as rivals and were politically fragmented.

Peace of Lodi

A 1454 agreement to create a balance of power among the major Italian city-states.

Sack of Rome (1527)

The event where Rome was attacked by Spanish forces, highlighting the vulnerability of Italian city-states.

Renaissance Art

A cultural rebirth focusing on realistic portrayals, humanism, and patronage from wealthy families.

Sistine Chapel

An example of religious art from the Renaissance, highlighting the continuing importance of religious themes.

Mona Lisa

A celebrated portrait by Leonardo da Vinci, exemplifying Renaissance techniques such as perspective.

Northern Renaissance

A movement that was more literature-focused, socially diverse and centered on faith compared to the Italian Renaissance.

Humanism

An intellectual movement emphasizing education, classical studies, and secularism, crucial to Renaissance thought.

Petrarch

The 'Father of Humanism,' who contributed significantly to the intellectual development of the Renaissance.

Christian Humanism

A movement advocating for societal improvement through religious reforms, led by figures like Erasmus.

New Monarchs

Emergent powerful leaders in Europe who centralized authority and diminished feudal structures.

Henry VII

The first Tudor monarch who ascended to the throne after the War of the Roses.

Council of Trent

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, reaffirming church doctrines.

Lutheranism

The first official split from the Catholic Church initiated by Martin Luther, emphasizing salvation through faith.

95 Theses

Martin Luther's document criticizing the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the selling of indulgences.

Calvinism

A reformed theology by John Calvin emphasizing predestination and a strong work ethic.

Church of England

Created by Henry VIII after his split from the Catholic Church, with himself as head.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's effort to reform itself and counteract the Protestant Reformation.

Inquisition

A church system aimed at rooting out heresies and enforcing Catholic doctrine.

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

A violent attack in 1572 where thousands of Huguenots were killed in France.

Edict of Nantes (1598)

A decree granting religious freedom to Huguenots in France, later revoked by Louis XIV.

Thirty Years’ War

A major European conflict that involved many nations and stemmed from disputes between Protestant and Catholic states.