Key Terms: Late Medieval to Early Modern Europe (VOCAB)

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms from the lecture notes on the Medieval to Early Modern periods.

Feudal System

Political, military, and social system in the Middle Ages based on the holding of lands in fief and the relationships between lords and vassals.

Great Schism (1414–1418)

Crisis in the late medieval church with rival popes in France and Rome; ended by the Council of Constance.

Renaissance

Humanistic revival of classical art, architecture, literature, and learning that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe.

Oligarchy

A small group of elites, often nobles and merchants, who ruled a city and its countryside.

Republic

Claimed by many Italian city-states, but in reality often controlled by a small elite group rather than by the people.

Humanism

Dominant social philosophy and intellectual movement (1400–1650) emphasizing secularism, worldly pleasures, and individual expression.

Individualism

Emphasis on personality, uniqueness, genius, and the full development of one’s capabilities.

Niccolò Machiavelli

Florentine diplomat and author of The Prince, arguing for realistic, strong leadership and ruling by fear if necessary.

Baldassare Castiglione

Italian diplomat who wrote The Book of the Courtier, outlining the Renaissance man.

Lorenzo Valla

Italian humanist who proved the Donation of Constantine was a forgery through textual analysis.

Christian Humanism

Renaissance movement combining humanist learning with Christian faith, influencing art, scholarship, and reform.

Utopia (1516)

Book by Thomas More depicting an imaginary, rational, tolerant community.

Desiderius Erasmus

Dutch scholar, often called the Prince of Northern Humanists; wrote The Praise of Folly critiquing church corruption.

Patrons

Wealthy supporters (kings, popes) who funded artists, musicians, and architects.

Querelle de Femmes

“The woman question”; a literary debate about women's nature and status around 1500.

Christine de Pizan

French Renaissance writer who produced early feminist works challenging traditional roles.

Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (1438)

Issued by Charles VII; asserted council superiority over the papacy and reduced papal revenues in France.

Court of the Star Chamber

English court established by Henry VII to suppress aristocratic troublemaking outside common law.

Hermandades

“Brotherhoods” used by Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain to suppress aristocratic rebellion; acted as police/judicial tribunals.

Treaty of Lodi (1454–1455)

Peace among Italian city-states establishing a balance of power until 1494.

Savonarola

Dominican friar in Florence who preached against corruption; expelled the Medici and was later executed.

Columbian Exchange

Transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and technology between the New and Old Worlds after Columbus.

Astrolabe

Navigation tool used to measure celestial bodies and calculate latitude.

Stern-post rudder

Naval innovation that increased maneuverability and cargo capacity.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Portuguese prince who sponsored early exploration.

Vasco da Gama

Portuguese explorer who rounded the Cape of Good Hope and reached India in 1497.

Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

Divided Spanish and Portuguese claims in the Americas with the Line of Demarcation.

Hernando Cortés

Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire for Charles V.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese explorer commissioned by Charles V; first to lead a voyage circumnavigating the Earth.

Christopher Columbus

Sailed for Spain to find a westward route to Asia; reached the Caribbean, initiating Spanish exploration.

Encomienda System

Spanish system granting conquerors the right to use Native labor in agriculture and mining.

Tenochtitlan

Capital city of the Aztec Empire.

Conquistador

Spanish conqueror of Mexico or Peru in the 16th century.

Viceroy

Governor ruling a colony on behalf of a sovereign.

Price Revolution

Period of high inflation in Western Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Dutch East India Company

Founded in 1602; controlled spice trade and became the first publicly traded company.

Joint Stock Company

Business model where investors buy shares, limit risk, and earn dividends.

Bank of Amsterdam

Founded in 1609; first deposit and transfer bank in Europe.