AP EURO

Feudalism

A decentralized political system based on land ownership and loyalty, prominent in medieval Europe.

King

The highest ruler in feudal society who granted land (fiefs) to nobles in exchange for military service.

Nobles (Lords)

Landowners who provided military service to the king and controlled land and peasants.

Knights

Warriors in feudal society who protected the land and served the nobles.

Peasants (Serfs)

The laborers of feudal society who worked the land and had limited freedom.

Catholic Church

Most powerful institution in medieval Europe, controlling education, morality, and salvation.

Humanism

An intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements, inspired by classical texts.

Secularism

An interest in worldly affairs rather than just religious matters, prominent during the Renaissance.

Individualism

The emphasis on personal achievement and fame, a key concept during the Renaissance.

Leonardo da Vinci

A key Renaissance artist known for combining art and science, exemplified in works like 'The Last Supper'.

Michelangelo

Renaissance artist who focused on the ideal human form, known for works like the Sistine Chapel.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Political philosopher known for 'The Prince', discussing realpolitik and the use of power.

Johann Tetzel

Cleric known for selling indulgences, which criticized by Martin Luther.

95 Theses

Martin Luther's list of arguments against the Catholic Church's practices, notably the sale of indulgences.

Sola Fide

The doctrine of justification by faith alone, a central tenet of Lutheranism.

Sola Scriptura

The belief that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in Christianity, as opposed to church traditions.

Priesthood of All Believers

The belief that individuals can have a direct relationship with God without the need for priestly intermediaries.

Spanish Inquisition

An institution established in 1478 to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and punish heresy.

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of goods, people, plants, animals, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world.

Treaty of Tordesillas

The 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal dividing newly discovered lands between them.

Mercantilism

An economic doctrine that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds complete and total power over the state.

Denazification

The process of removing Nazi ideology and influence from German society after World War II.

Holocaust

The genocide of six million Jews during World War II perpetrated by Nazi Germany.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Berlin Wall

A wall that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 until 1989, symbolizing the Cold War divide.

Détente

The easing of strained relations, especially in a political situation, particularly between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States and their respective allies after World War II.

Self-determination

The right of a nation or people to govern themselves.