New Nation States

Pre-Feudalism

A social and economic system that existed before the establishment of feudalism.

Renaissance

A cultural movement that emphasized the revival of art, literature, and learning from classical antiquity.

Luxury Goods

High-value items such as silk, gunpowder, and spices that were sought after during the Renaissance.

New Monarchs

Powerful rulers like King Henry and Queen Isabella who centralized authority in their respective kingdoms.

Compass

A navigational instrument that shows direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles.

Caravel

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century.

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars, akin to an old GPS.

Lateen Sails

Triangular sails that allowed ships to sail more efficiently against the wind.

Tacking

A sailing maneuver that involves changing direction by turning the bow of the boat into the wind.

Conquistadores

Spanish explorers and conquerors who played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas.

Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

An agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands between them.

Hernán Cortés

A Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

3 G’s

The motives for exploration and conquest:Gold, God, and Glory.

Mestizo People

Individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry in the Americas.

Encomienda System

A labor system in colonial Spain that granted land and labor rights to Spanish settlers.

Spain’s Downfall

Factors contributing to Spain's decline, including inflation and a low population post-1492.

French Settlement (1530)

The establishment of French colonies in Canada, particularly along the St. Lawrence River and Mississippi River.

Economic Fur Trade

The trade of animal pelts, particularly deer and beaver, which was vital to the French economy.

Royal Neglect

A policy of hands-off governance by the British crown towards its colonies.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement initiated by figures like Martin Luther that challenged the Catholic Church.

1534 Act of Supremacy

Legislation that established the monarch as the head of the Church of England, severing ties with the Catholic Church.

Queen Elizabeth

The monarch who played a crucial role in the establishment of the Church of England and the rise of nationalism.

Sea Dogs

English privateers and pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who raided Spanish ships and settlements.

Spanish Armada (1588)

A failed naval invasion by Spain against England, resulting in a significant English victory.

Roanoke “Lost Colony”

An early English settlement in North Carolina that mysteriously disappeared, with the only clue being the word "Croatoan."