British and Irish History Final

What is the Renaissance?

A cultural rebirth of art, learning, and classical ideals beginning in Italy (14th c.), focused on humanism and realism.

Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?

Wealthy city-states, trade, and surviving classical ruins.

What is humanism?

An intellectual movement valuing human potential, reason, and classical learning.

How did Renaissance art differ from medieval art?

Renaissance art used perspective, anatomy, realism, and emotion.

Name a famous Renaissance artist and their work.

Michelangelo – Creation of Adam, Pietà, dome of St. Peter’s.

What caused the Protestant Reformation?

Corruption, desire for personal faith, printing press, humanist questioning.

Who were the Lollards?

Followers of Wycliffe who criticized Catholic practices and wanted Scripture in English.

Why did Henry VIII start the Church of England?

To obtain an annulment, the Pope refused to grant.

What is the Act of Supremacy (1534)?

It declared the English monarch head of the Church of England.

What was Elizabeth I’s religious policy called?

The Middle Way — moderate Protestant doctrine with some Catholic forms.

What was the main conflict between England and Ireland?

Protestant England vs Catholic Ireland.

What issue caused conflict between James I/Charles I and Parliament?

Taxation, religion, and royal authority.

What was the Petition of Right (1628)?

Parliament demanded no taxation without consent and protection of rights.

What was the New Model Army?

Cromwell’s disciplined, ideological army that defeated the king.

Why was Charles I’s execution significant?

Showed a monarch could be held accountable; shocked Europe.

What was restored in 1660?

The monarchy, under Charles II.

What major events happened under Charles II?

Great Plague (1665), Great Fire of London (1666), cultural revival.

Why was James II unpopular?

He was Catholic and appointed Catholics to office.

What was the Glorious Revolution?

Parliament replaced James II with William & Mary without a civil war.

What did the English Bill of Rights establish?

Constitutional monarchy, free elections, no taxation without Parliament, rights for Protestants.

Why is the Bill of Rights important?

It limits royal power and strengthens Parliament and law.

What did Hobbes believe?

Humans are violent; need strong sovereign; peace over liberty.

What did Locke believe?

Natural rights to life, liberty, property; government by consent; right to revolt.

What did Burke believe?

Defended tradition, gradual reform; opposed French Revolution’s radicalism.

How did Enlightenment ideas influence politics?

Supported constitutional monarchy, rights, revolutions.

What did Mary Wollstonecraft argue?

Women are rational; must be educated equally; early feminism.

Why is Olaudah Equiano important?

First-hand narrative against Atlantic slavery; influenced abolition.

Who was Wolfe Tone?

Leader of the United Irishmen; inspired by the Enlightenment and French/American revolutions; 1798 rebellion.