Renaissance, Reformation, and Early Modern Europe (Kagan) - Flashcards

A set of practice flashcards covering key topics from the notes on the Renaissance, Reformation, and early modern Europe.

Where did the Black Death originate and how did it reach Europe?

Originated in Asia; spread to Europe through trade; caused by Yersinia pestis and mainly transmitted by fleas on rats (with possible human-to-human spread in pneumonic forms).

What pathogen caused the Black Death?

Yersinia pestis.

What were the first symptoms of the Bubonic plague?

Swelling of the glands (buboes) as one of the first signs.

Which Italian author wrote the Decameron, a famous plague-themed collection?

Giovanni Boccaccio.

What effect did Crusades have on contact between Europe and Asia?

Crusades increased trade and contact between Europe and Asia.

What remedies were commonly used during the plague?

Herbal medicines, fumigation with herbs and smoke, and cleansing with scented water.

How did the plague influence later scientific thinking?

Its destruction helped spur interest in study and contributed to the scientific revolution.

What was the medieval world system?

Trade network spanning China, India, Africa, and Europe.

What happened to Joan of Arc’s role in France?

She claimed divine guidance, helped push French campaigns, was captured, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake at 19.

Which major papal event followed the Hundred Years’ War and affected Western Christendom?

Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism.

What was the Avignon Papacy and when did it occur?

Popes resided in Avignon, France from 1309 to 1376 (the Babylonian Captivity).

What council aimed to resolve the Western Schism and condemn Jan Hus?

Council of Constance (1414–1418); Hus was executed in 1415.

Who were the Lollards and whom did they follow?

Followers of John Wycliffe in England; they questioned papal authority and church practices.

What happened to Jan Hus at the Council of Constance?

He was burned at the stake for his reformist beliefs.

What marked the end of the Byzantine Empire in 1453?

Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks.

Which religion did Vladimir of Kiev adopt in 1015, influencing Russian faith?

Greek Orthodoxy.

Name the five dominant Italian city-states of the fifteenth century.

Venice, Milan, Florence, the Papal States, and the Kingdom of Naples.

Why is Florence considered the heart of the Renaissance?

Wealth and political power concentrated there; it was a hub for patronage of the arts.

Who rose to power in 1434 and funded major art, including Michelangelo’s works?

Cosimo de’ Medici; a wealthy banker who became a powerful patron.

What is humanism?

A movement emphasizing classical learning, secular thought, and the value of human potential.

Who is often called the Father of Humanism?

Francesco Petrarch.

Which female humanist wrote City of Ladies?

Christine de Pisan.

What forgery did Lorenzo Valla expose?

The Donation of Constantine was a forgery.

What technological advancement helped spread Renaissance ideas?

The printing press with movable type (Gutenberg, 1440s).

What is the Book of the Courtier and who wrote it?

A guide to Renaissance manners and education; written by Baldassarre Castiglione (1528).

What is civic humanism?

Idea that educated citizens should actively participate in government, drawing on classical models.

Which reformer is associated with predestination and the Geneva Reformation?

John Calvin.

What is the Peace of Augsburg (1555) known for?

Cuius regio eius religio: the ruler of a realm determines its religion.

What is the Golden Bull of 1356?

A decree by which seven electors in the Holy Roman Empire chose the Holy Roman Emperor.

What major religious reform movement began in Germany and spread to Scandinavia and beyond?

Lutheranism (Protestant Reformation) led by Martin Luther.

What two sacraments does Luther retain in his reform, according to the notes?

Baptism and the Eucharist.

What is the difference between transubstantiation and consubstantiation?

Transubstantiation: bread and wine become Christ’s body and blood; Consubstantiation: Christ is present with the bread and wine.

What major religious change did Henry VIII initiate in England?

The English Reformation; Act of Supremacy (1534) made the king the head of the Church of England.

What event led to the dissolution of England’s monasteries under Henry VIII?

Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536), transferring church lands to lay nobles.

What reform did Edward VI oversee in 1549?

The Book of Common Prayer, shaping Anglican worship.

What was the Council of Trent and its purpose?

(1545–1563) Catholic Council reaffirming doctrine and reforming Church practices in response to the Reformation.

Who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and when?

Ignatius of Loyola; 1540s.

What is Baroque art and its purpose?

A Counter-Reformation style with emotional, dramatic, and ornate characteristics used to inspire faith.

What problem did absenteeism, nepotism, and simony refer to in the Church?

Clergy ruling distant churches, favoritism toward relatives, and buying church offices.

What was the Protestant emphasis on Scripture and faith in contrast to Catholic practice?

Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide; faith apart from works for salvation; Bible as ultimate authority (Catholicism also emphasizes tradition and the Pope).

What was the Schmalkaldic War and its outcome?

Conflict within the Holy Roman Empire (1546–1547); led to the Peace of Augsburg recognizing Lutheran princes.

What led to England’s shift to Protestantism during Henry VIII’s reign?

Dissolution of monasteries, Act of Supremacy, and establishment of Anglicanism under Cranmer.

What major event completed the Reconquista in Spain?

By 1492, Granada was taken, unifying Spain under Christian rule.

What was the role of the Inquisition in Catholic reform efforts?

A tool to combat Protestantism and enforce Catholic orthodoxy (1478 onward).