AP European History Ultimate Guide

Renaissance

Period of cultural and intellectual rebirth that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe until the 17th century, characterized by renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and the arts.

Humanism

Philosophical and intellectual movement emphasizing the value and agency of human beings, and focusing on education, reason, and critical thinking.

Perspective

Artistic technique used in Renaissance art to create the illusion of depth and space in a painting.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to inquiry emphasizing observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence to understand natural phenomena.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia) and the New World (the Americas) following Columbus's arrival.

The Printing Press

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, revolutionized the dissemination of information and contributed to increased literacy.

New Monarchies

Period of European history from 1450 to 1648 characterized by the emergence of centralized monarchies with increased power.

The Triangular Trade

Trade system in which European countries brought manufactured goods to Africa, exchanged them for slaves, and then transported the slaves to the Americas.

Commercial Revolution

Period of European economic expansion from the 16th to the 18th century, characterized by growth in trade, banking, and the rise of capitalism.

Absolutism

Political idea where the monarch holds supreme authority and is not bound by laws or constitutions.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Socialism

Political and economic ideology advocating for collective ownership of the means of production and distribution.

Fascism

Authoritarian political ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, a belief in the superiority of the state, and suppression of opposition.

Holocaust

The systematic extermination of six million Jews and millions of others, including Roma and political dissidents, by the Nazi regime during World War II.

Cold War

Period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States and their respective allies from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.

Decolonization

Process through which colonies gained independence from colonial powers after World War II, often resulting in new nation-states in Africa and Asia.

Causation

Understanding the reasons and causes behind historical events and developments.

Consumer Culture

A society in which the buying and consuming of goods and services are central to economic activity and social identity.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries and societies around the world.

Anti-Semitism

Hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews that increased in Europe during the rise of nationalism and fascism.

Postmodernism

Cultural movement in the late 20th century characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives and ideologies, emphasizing diversity and relativism.

Nationalism

Political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence or control.

Interwar Period

Time between World War I and World War II marked by economic instability, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and the lead-up to World War II.

Team of human rights

The recognition and protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms belonging to every individual, which became prominent after World War II.