Renaissance & Age of Expansion

Renaissance

Period marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, beginning in the 14th Century in Italy.

Beginning of the Renaissance

14th Century; inspired by the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature, and art.

Florence

Key center of Renaissance art and culture in the 15th Century, supported by patrons like the Medici family.

Printing Press

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440, revolutionizing the spread of knowledge and literature.

Leonardo da Vinci

Created masterpieces like the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper' in the Late 15th Century, showcasing advancements in realism.

Humanism

15th Century philosophy emphasizing the value of human beings and the study of classical texts.

Michelangelo's David

Statue completed between 1501-1504 exemplifying the Renaissance focus on human beauty and proportion.

The Reformation

Initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, challenging the Catholic Church and leading to religious and cultural shifts.

The Prince

Political treatise published by Niccolò Machiavelli in 1532, introducing new ideas about power and governance.

Council of Trent

Meeting from 1545-1563 where the Catholic Church responds to the Reformation with reforms and doctrine definitions.

St. Peter's Basilica

Completed in 1626, symbolizing the height of Renaissance architecture and the power of the Church.

Early Voyages

15th Century explorations by Portuguese navigators along the African coast, marking the Age of Expansion.

Christopher Columbus

Discovered America in 1492 by sailing across the Atlantic and claiming the New World for Spain.

Vasco da Gama

Sailed around Africa to reach India in 1498, establishing a vital sea trade route.

Treaty of Tordesillas

1494 agreement dividing newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal to avoid conflict.

Hernán Cortés

Defeated the Aztec Empire in 1521, leading to Spanish colonization in the Americas.

Francisco Pizarro

Conquered the Inca Empire in Peru in 1533, extending Spanish dominance in South America.

Spanish Philippines

Established by Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565 as a significant Asian colony.

Dutch and English Naval Power

Emergence in the 17th Century as they challenge Spanish and Portuguese supremacy in global trade.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Transatlantic system that fueled plantation economies in the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries.

End of the Age of Expansion

18th Century decline of colonial empires as global conflicts shift power away from Europe.