Studied by 10 people
Renaissance -
“The Rebirth” of classical culture and the revival of Greek and Roman texts that occurred in Italy between 1350 and 1550. Petrarch is often considered the Father of the Renaissance, and Italy is its birthplace. Defining characteristics of the Renaissance include humanism, which is the belief in the unlimited potential of human beings, individualism, and secularism.
humanism
- Humanism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of human potential, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. It celebrates human reason, creativity, and achievements, emphasizing the importance of education and a well-rounded development of one's capabilities. Humanism seeks to integrate classical learning, including literature, philosophy, and art, with contemporary thought, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience. It played a pivotal role in shifting focus away from purely religious or otherworldly concerns toward a more holistic appreciation of human dignity, leading to advancements in literature, arts, sciences, and a reexamination of societal values.
civic humanism
The application of humanism to the public sphere. It saw Cicero who was both an intellectual and a statesman as the ideal and held that humanists should be involved in government and use their rhetorical training in the service of the state
individualism
An ideology with an emphasis on and interest in the intrinsic worth of the individual and the unique traits of each person. It was expressed in art during the renaissance especially the italian one.
secularism
An ideology which values a separation between religion and state. This also extends to separating religion from the general public sphere.
Machiavelli -
Italian diplomat, philosopher, and political theorist, best known for his works on political theory, particularly "The Prince." He promoted secular models for individual and political behavior. He emphasized the pragmatic and often ruthless nature of political leadership. He argued that rulers should prioritize maintaining power and stability, even if it meant employing manipulation. Machiavelli's approach to politics is often associated with the phrase "the end justifies the means." He also advocated for the separation of morality from politics, asserting that rulers must be willing to make difficult and sometimes ethically questionable decisions for the sake of the state's survival and prosperity.
Northern Renaissance -
An intellectual movement in northern Europe in the late 15th and early 16th centuries that combined the interest in the classics of the Italian Renaissance with an interest in the sources of early Christianity including the New Testament and the writings of the church fathers. It often featured ordinary people and included famous painters such as Peter Breugel and Rembrandt.
Erasmus -
Desiderius Erasmus was a Dutch humanist, theologian, and scholar of the Northern Renaissance. He followed Christian humanism, which focused on the study of classical literature and philosophy as well as the critical examination of Christian texts. He sought to bridge the gap between classical wisdom and Christian teachings, emphasizing the importance of inner piety and moral reform. Erasmus believed that education was essential for personal and societal improvement. He advocated for the reform of the Church from within, criticizing corruption. He promoted a return to the original teachings of Christianity and a focus on the ethical teachings of Jesus.
naturalism -
An artistic movement that emerged during the Renaissance and is characterized by a focus on depicting the natural world and human experiences with a high degree of accuracy and detail. Naturalist artists sought to represent reality as closely as possible, often through careful observation and meticulous rendering. Naturalism was employed in the Northern Renaissance by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Rembrandt.
Spanish Inquisition -
A judicial institution organized to combat heresy in Spain. Its main targets were converted Jews and Muslims, but it was also used against witchcraft and political enemies. After the Reformation, it also targeted Protestants. Its methods included the use of torture and expulsion from Spain. Its activities were enlarged during the reign of Philip II who favored it as a counter-reformation weapon.
Concordat of Bologna
- Signed in 1516 between King Francis I of France and Pope Leo X, the Concordat of Bologna was a significant agreement that regulated the relationship between the French crown and the Roman Catholic Church. It allowed the king the right to nominate and appoint bishops and abbots within the kingdom, while the pope retained certain spiritual and ecclesiastical powers.
Peace of Augsburg -
The 1555 agreement to accept the existence of both Lutheranism and Catholicism in Germany. Although flawed, this agreement ended serious religious conflict in the Holy Roman Empire for 50 years.
Edict of Nantes -
A decree that ended the French Wars of Religion. The edict established some religious freedom for Huguenots (French Protestants), giving them the right to worship and a state subsidy to support their troops and pastors. However, during the reign of Louis XIV, the edict was revoked.
Nobles of the Robe -
This refers to a social class within the nobility of France during the early modern period. This term distinguishes them from the “Nobles of the Sword,” who were the traditional, hereditary nobility. The Nobles of the Robe, on the other hand, acquired their status through positions in the judiciary and government administration, playing a crucial role in the administrative and legal affairs of France. The Nobles of the Robe diminished the power of the old aristocracy and centralized the power of the monarch by creating a bureaucracy to administer on the monarch’s behalf throughout the state.
Age of Exploration -
A significant historical period from approximately 1450-1600. It was marked by a series of maritime expeditions, voyages, and discoveries by European explorers who sought to expand their knowledge of the world, establish new trade routes, and lay claim to new territories. During this era, technological innovations, such as the compass, sternpost rudder, astrolabe, and lateen sail, enabled explorers to venture into uncharted waters, leading to the discovery of new lands and cultures. The Age of Exploration had far-reaching impacts on global geography, trade, cultural exchange, and the establishment of colonies. Motives for exploration included: God, glory, and gold.
mercantilism -
An economic theory that held that a nation's property depended on its supply of gold and silver and that the total volume of trade is unchangeable it's adherence therefore advocated that the government play an active role in the economy by encouraging exports in discouraging Imports especially through the use of tariffs.
Jesuits -
The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, is a Roman Catholic religious order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. The order was established with a focus on education, missionary work, and service to the Church and society. Jesuit missionaries played a significant role in spreading Christianity to various parts of the world during the Age of Exploration and beyond. They had success in converting indigenous peoples in regions such as Asia, the Americas, and Africa. The Jesuits also established many prestigious educational institutions, contributing to advancements in science, philosophy, and theology.
Treaty of Tordesillas -
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494 between Portugal and Spain, was an agreement intended to resolve conflicts over newly discovered lands outside of Europe during the Age of Exploration. The treaty was mediated by Pope Alexander VI. It aimed to divide the newly explored and unclaimed territories of the world between the two Iberian powers. The treaty established an imaginary line running from north to south through the Atlantic Ocean. Lands to the east of this line were designated for Portugal, while those to the west were designated for Spain. While this division wasn’t followed exactly, it did have an impact on the subsequent exploration and colonization of the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world, shaping the territories claimed and controlled by each country.
Columbian Exchange -
The widespread exchange of animals, plants, cultures, diseases, and technologies between Europe and the Americas. This exchange transformed diets and agricultural practices in Europe and brought new animals as well as devastating diseases like smallpox to indigenous populations in the Americas, causing massive population declines.
From Europe to the Americas
wheat, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, smallpox, measles
From the Americas to Europe
tomatoes, potatoes, squash, corn, tobacco, turkeys
Middle Passage -
An infamous passage across the Atlantic Ocean, the middle leg of triangular trade. It included terrible conditions such as severe overcrowding, malnutrition and starvation, physical and psychological abuse, limited fresh air and ventilation, unsanitary conditions leading to the spread of disease, and even death.
triangular trade -
A three-part transmission of goods in early modern Europe that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas in an Atlantic economy. Europe shipped manufactured goods to Africa, Africa shipped slaves to the Americas, and the Americas shipped raw materials to Europe, which Europe used to produce manufactured goods, creating an endless cycle. For example, finished European goods such as guns and textiles were shipped to Africa in exchange for enslaved African laborers who were sent to the Americas and traded for raw materials such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar, which were then shipped back to Europe.
The Commercial Revolution
The Commercial Revolution refers to a period of significant changes and developments in trade, commerce, and economic practices in Europe. It marked a transition from the medieval economic system, characterized by farming economies and feudalism, to a more globalized and market-oriented economy. Several key aspects of the Commercial Revolution include exploration and colonization as well as growth of banking, finance, and manufacturing. The Commercial Revolution contributed to the shift from a largely subsistence-based economy to a market-driven economy, where goods were produced for exchange and profit. The Price Revolution happened almost simultaneously, due to inflation from a widespread and rapid increase in prices for goods and services, which came about due to an increased money supply from colonization and trade and population growth.
Enclosure acts
Laws enacted in 18th-century Britain that allowed large landowners to enclose the old open fields, thereby combining many small holdings into larger units and forcing many small farmers to become tenant farmers or wage laborers on the largest states. Many small farmers were forced to move to the city in search of new jobs.
Peace of Westphalia
a treaty which brought the Thirty Years War to an end by:
granting religious tolerance to Lutherans and Calvinists in the Holy Roman Empire, (rulers were allowed to decide the religious faith of their territory)
recognizing Dutch independence
giving the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to France
