European History Review Flashcards

Flashcards created to review key concepts from European History lectures for exam preparation.

What marked the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance?

The end of the Middle Ages around 1450 AD, characterized by new cultural perspectives in Italy.

What does the term 'Renaissance' translate to?

Rebirth of culture, more specifically, the rebirth of ancient culture.

Identify one of the four essential aspects of Humanism.

Admiration and emulation of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

What was the key idea promoted by Petrarch in the Renaissance?

He admired ancient cultures and expressed disdain for his contemporaries, whom he viewed as less cultured.

What was the impact of the printing press during the Reformation?

It allowed new ideas to spread rapidly, enabling people to read the Bible for themselves.

What was Martin Luther's main belief regarding salvation?

Justification by faith alone, rather than through good works and sacraments.

What was the significance of the Diet of Worms?

Luther was ordered to recant his writings but refused, leading to his excommunication.

What were the main beliefs of Calvinism?

Predestination and the idea that God already knows who will be saved.

What did the Edict of Nantes establish?

It granted religious tolerance to the Huguenots in France.

How did Absolutism change the political landscape in England under Charles I?

He attempted to rule without Parliament, which led to civil unrest and eventually the English Civil War.

What was the Glorious Revolution of 1688?

A bloodless coup in which William of Orange took control of England with the support of Parliament.

What was the primary cause of the scientific revolution?

A shift from reliance on sacred texts and tradition to observation and experimentation.

Who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation?

Isaac Newton.

What is the primary focus of the social sciences, according to early theorists?

The study of human behavior and societies.

What sparked the revolutions across Europe in 1848?

A wave of nationalist and liberal revolutions fueled by discontent with existing political regimes.

What did the Treaty of Versailles dictate after WWI?

It imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

What characterized the totalitarian regimes that arose in Europe in the 20th century?

The establishment of centralized control over all aspects of life, suppression of dissent, and elimination of opposition.

What were the main tenets of Fascism as it emerged in Italy?

Nationalism, militarism, and the glorification of the state at the expense of individual rights.

What was a major outcome of the Russian Revolution of 1917?

The establishment of the Soviet regime and a radical transformation of Russian society.

What is the significance of the Nuremberg Trials?

Trials that held Nazi war criminals accountable for their actions during WWII.

How did WWII conclude in Europe?

Germany surrendered unconditionally on May 8, 1945 (VE Day).