AP European History Unit 1: Renaissance and Exploration

Terms from Crash Course European History and Heimler's History.

Petrarch

An Italian scholar and poet, often called the "father of Humanism," known for his sonnets and his promotion of classical literature.

“The Old Age”

Term by which Petrarch described the classical, more enlightened era

“The Middle Ages”

A term used by Petrarch to describe the period between classical antiquity and the Renaissance, which he viewed as a time of cultural decline

The Renaissance

A cultural movement that marked the revival of interest in the classical art, literature, and learning of ancient Greece and Rome, occurring from the 14th to the 17th century

Leonardo Bruni

An Italian humanist, historian, and chancellor of Florence, known for his work in translating Greek texts and promoting the study of classical antiquity

Ciompi

A group of wool carders and laborers in Florence who revolted in 1378, leading to a brief period of popular governance

humanism

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the study of classical texts, human potential, and achievements

humanities

The academic disciplines that study human culture, comprised of grammar, rhetoric, and logic

sciences

The academic disciplines that arose from the humanities, including theology, philosophy, laws, and medicine

Lauro Quirini

A prominent Venetian humanist and scholar during the Renaissance, known for his contributions to literature and philosophy.

patronage

Support and funding for artists, scholars, or intellectuals by wealthy individuals or institutions; often occurred during the Renaissance, as wealthy families sought to legitimize their wealth

banking

A system for managing money and financial transactions that became increasingly important during the Renaissance, particularly in cities like Florence

Sandro Botticelli

Italian painter of the Early Renaissance, known for works like "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" that exemplified the era's love for classical mythology and beauty.

Michelangelo

Italian sculptor, painter, and architect of the High Renaissance, renowned for masterpieces such as the Statue of David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Florence

a city in Italy that was the birthplace of the Renaissance and a center of art, culture, and banking

David

A famous marble sculpture created by Michelangelo, representing the biblical hero David before his battle with Goliath

Leonardo da Vinci

Italian polymath of the Renaissance, known for works like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and contributions to art, science, and anatomy

Signoria

The governing body of Florence during the Renaissance, responsible for political and administrative decisions, often composed of “elected” representatives from the city’s powerful families

the Medici Family

A powerful and influential family in Florence during the Renaissance, known for their patronage of the arts and significant political influence over the city.

Cosimo Medici

Founder of the Medici dynasty, he was a statesman and patron of the arts who greatly influenced Florentine politics and culture during the early Renaissance

Lorenzo de Medici

A prominent leader of the Medici family, he was a major patron of the arts and played a crucial role in Florentine politics during the Renaissance; Machiavelli argued that his death marked the end of the Florentine Renaissance’s Golden Age and the rise of foreign influence.

Isabella D’Este

A leading figure of the Italian Renaissance, known for her patronage of arts and her role in the political scene of Mantua. She was an influential woman in court culture, promoting artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Titian.

Philology

The study of the history and development of languages

Lorenzo Valla

an Italian humanist and scholar, known for his work in textual criticism; identified several different stages in the development of the latin language (poster for philology) and is best known for proving the Donation of Constantine was a forgery.

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola

An Italian Renaissance philosopher and scholar, known for his work "Oration on the Dignity of Man," which reflects humanist ideals and promotes individual potential and free will.

secularism

A philosophical view emphasizing the importance of this world over the supernatural, fostering a separation between religion and public life.

individualism

A social and philosophical theory that emphasizes the moral worth and potential of the individual, often prioritizing personal goals and values over collective ones

Civic Humanism

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the importance of civic responsibility and the role of the individual in contributing to the public good, often integrating classical knowledge with contemporary political thought

Baldassare Castiglione

An Italian courtier and diplomat, best known for his work "The Book of the Courtier," which outlines the ideal conduct and qualities of an educated young man

Niccolo Machiavelli

An Italian diplomat and philosopher known for his political treatise "The Prince," which examines power dynamics and pragmatic governance and offers advice on political leadership and statecraft

MAINTAIN POWER AT ALL COSTS

"It is better to be feared than loved, if one cannot be both."

naturalism

An artistic approach that strives to depict subjects as they appear in nature, emphasizing realism and the accurate representation of the human figure and landscape

geometric perspective

A technique in art that creates the illusion of depth and space on a flat surface by using a structured system of lines and proportional relationships; contributed to naturalism in the Renaissance

Raphael

A renowned painter and architect of the High Renaissance known for his harmonious compositions, including masterpieces like "The School of Athens" and the "Sistine Madonna.

moveable type printing

A revolutionary method of printing developed by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, which used individual letters made of metal to create text on paper, greatly facilitating the production of books and the spread of knowledge

Johannes Gutenberg

Inventor of the printing press and pioneer of moveable type printing, he played a key role in the spread of the Renaissance and Reformation ideas

Pieter Breughel

A prominent Dutch painter known for his landscapes and peasant scenes, he is celebrated for his detailed and vibrant depictions of rural life and complex compositions; a demonstration of the focuses of the Northern Renaissance on human experience and everyday activities

paterfamilias

In Roman society, the paterfamilias was the male head of a family or household, holding significant legal authority and responsibility over family members; with the Northern Renaissance, this was reenforced.

scholasticism

a method of critical thought and inquiry that dominated the Middle Ages, combining classical philosophy with Christian theology, influencing education and intellectual discourse during the Northern Renaissance.

Desiderius Erasmus

a Dutch humanist and theologian who was a key figure in the Northern Renaissance, known for his writings that emphasized education, morality, and the reform of the Church. His work, such as "In Praise of Folly," critiqued society and religion, promoting a return to the original texts of Christianity.

In Praise of Folly

a satirical work by Desiderius Erasmus that critiques the corrupt practices of society and the Church, advocating for a more sincere Christian faith.

realism

a political ideology utilized by Machiavelli that focuses on pragmatic and often harsh assessments of political power and human nature, emphasizing the importance of realpolitik over idealism.

Thomas More

An English lawyer, social philosopher, and author best known for his book "Utopia," which presents a vision of a perfect society and critiques contemporary society's issues.

Utopia

a fictional book by Thomas More that describes an ideal society on an imaginary island in the New World

Book of the City of Ladies

a work by Christine de Pizan that challenges gender stereotypes and defends women's roles in society by portraying notable women from history leading a society

Christine de Pizan

a pioneering feminist writer from the late Middle Ages, known for advocating for women's rights and education

Rembrandt

a Dutch painter and etcher, renowned for his mastery of light and shadow, as well as his profound emotional depth in portraits and historical scenes; much more emphasis on ordinary people

Christian Humanism

a Renaissance movement that sought to reform Christianity through the study of classical texts and emphasized moral and ethical teachings

led to an impulse for reform in the Northern Renaissance

Gutenberg Bible

the first major book printed using movable type, produced by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century; it marked a significant advancement in the dissemination of knowledge.

Vernacular Literature

literature written in the native language of a region, allowing broader access to texts during the Northern Renaissance; this grew and solidified national cultures

Fall of Constantinople

Allowed for the Ottomans to control much of southeastern Europe and establish a navy; this Ottoman domination forced other powers in Europe to seek new trade routes and explore overseas territories

Mansa Musa

The 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and immense wealth. His reign significantly promoted trade and culture in West Africa; inspired Portuguese to explore the West African coast.

Bartolomeu Dias

A Portuguese explorer who was the first to sail around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope, in 1488.

Cape of Good Hope

The southernmost point of Africa, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese sea route to India and facilitated maritime trade by connecting Europe with Asia.

Vasco de Gama

A Portuguese explorer who became the first to reach India by sea, sailing around Africa in 1498, thus establishing a direct sea route between Europe and Asia.

Christopher Columbus

An Italian explorer known for completing four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean and “discovering” the Americas in 1492, although he believed he had found a new route to Asia

Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain

The monarchs who sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, seeking a new route to Asia and ultimately leading to the European colonization of the Americas; motivated by the hope to fund the Spanish Inquisition

Ferdinand Magellan

A Portuguese explorer credited with leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, proving that the Earth is round and connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Aztec Empire

A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that thrived in the central region of present-day Mexico, known for its advanced architecture, agriculture, and connections to trade, ultimately falling to Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century.

Tenochtitlan

The capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its impressive temples, floating gardens, and as a major center of trade and culture before being conquered by the Spanish.

Hernan Cortes

Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and helped in the colonization of Mexico.

Francisco Pizarro

Spanish conquistador known for his role in the conquest of the Inca Empire, leading to the Spanish colonization of Peru in the early 16th century

Inca Empire

The empire located in South America(around modern-day Peru), known for its advanced civilization, extensive road systems, and rich deposits of gold and silver, which was conquered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century

Malinche

An indigenous woman who served as a translator and advisor to Hernán Cortés during the conquest of the Aztec Empire, playing a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico

Treaty of Tordesillas

An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two nations along a meridian

Potosi

A major silver mine in present-day Bolivia established by the Spanish in the 16th century, which became one of the richest sources of silver in the world during the colonial period.

Encomienda

A labor system instituted by the Spanish crown in the Americas, granting colonists the right to demand tribute and forced labor from indigenous inhabitants in exchange for protection and Christianization.

Bartolome de Las Casas

A Spanish Dominican friar and historian who advocated for the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas and criticized the abuses of the encomienda system.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

A symbol of Mexican nationalism and Catholicism, she is revered as the patroness of the Americas and is associated with the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in 1531

Francis Drake

An English sea captain, privateer, and explorer of the late 16th century known for circumnavigating the globe and his raids against Spanish ships and settlements, making him a hero in England and a notorious figure in Spain

John Cabot

An Italian explorer who is credited with discovering parts of North America under the commission of England in 1497, he is often associated with the early exploration of Canada.

East India Company

A British trading company established in the early 17th century, which played a crucial role in trade between England and India, gaining significant political and economic power in the region.

United East India Company

A Dutch trading company founded in the early 17th century, which became one of the world's first multinational corporations and played a significant role in trade between the Dutch Republic and Asia.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Roanoke

The first attempt at a permanent English settlement in North America in 1585, which ultimately failed and became known as the "Lost Colony."

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607 in Virginia

“Black Legend”

A term used to describe the depiction of Spanish colonization as brutal and exploitative, promoting the idea that it was uniquely cruel compared to other colonial powers; often used by the English

sugar

a valuable cash crop that played a significant role in the economy of colonial plantations and was a key driver of the transatlantic slave trade, particularly in the Carribbean

mercantilism

an economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in managing the economy to increase national wealth through a favorable balance of trade. It advocates for accumulating gold and silver and encourages exports over imports; believes that wealth is finite

favorable balance of trade

a situation in which a country's exports exceed its imports, leading to an inflow of national wealth.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

aimed to create policies in France that enabled French industry to create everything the people needed so that they didn’t have to import those goods from elsewhere

Reconquista

the centuries-long struggle to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule and establish a unified Catholic state

Jesuit

a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order founded in 1540 to promote education, missionary work, and the spread of Catholicism.

cartography

the art and science of drawing maps, essential for navigation and exploration during the Age of Exploration.

Caravel

a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century, used by European explorers for long voyages.

Lateen Sail

a triangular sail that allowed ships to sail more efficiently against the wind, widely adopted during the Age of Exploration.

magnetic compass

a navigational instrument that shows the direction of magnetic north, crucial for maritime exploration.

astrolabe

an ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of stars, essential for navigation during the Age of Exploration.

maritime empires

dominions established by European powers during the Age of Exploration, often involving overseas territories and trade routes.

Henry the Navigator

a Portuguese prince who played a key role in the early days of the Age of Exploration, promoting maritime exploration and advancements in navigation.

trading post empire

a network of coastal stations established by European powers to facilitate trade, especially in Asia, during the Age of Exploration; especially exemplified with Portugal

Samuel de Champlain

a French explorer known for founding Quebec and mapping much of North America's northeastern coastline.

Huron Confederacy

an alliance of several Native American tribes in the Great Lakes region that played a crucial role in the trade networks during the early colonial period, and particularly interacted with the French

settler colonies

communities established by Europeans where settlers would live permanently, often displacing indigenous populations; particularly exemplified by England

Pope Alexander VI

was a Spanish pope who played a significant role in the Age of Exploration by issuing the papal bull Inter caetera in 1493, which granted Spain and Portugal exclusive rights to colonize the New World.

smallpox

a highly contagious viral disease that devastated indigenous populations in the Americas, significantly impacting their societies during European colonization.

Great Dying

the massive reduction in indigenous populations due to diseases introduced by Europeans, including smallpox, during the Age of Exploration.

feudalism

a social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by the relationships between lords and vassals, land ownership, and the exchange of service for protection; replaced by capitalism as a result of the Age of Exploration

Antwerp, Netherlands

a major center for trade and commerce during the Age of Exploration, known for its bustling port and significant role in the European economy; later replaced by Amsterdam

Casta System

a hierarchical social structure in colonial Spanish America that categorized individuals based on their ethnicity and ancestry, significantly influencing social dynamics and status.

African Slave Trade

the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans to the Americas, integral to the economic development of colonial powers and contributing to the triangular trade; resulted from plantation systems in the New World