Review of European History (Renaissance to Present)

A collection of flashcards based on the lecture notes covering key events, movements, and concepts in European history from the Renaissance to the modern era.

What were the main causes of the Renaissance?

1. Contact with advanced civilizations due to the Crusades. 2. Loss of Church authority and rise of doubt. 3. Growth of the middle class and accumulation of wealth. 4. Competition among wealthy patrons leading to advancements in education and art.

What does the term 'Renaissance' mean?

Renaissance means 'rebirth' of ancient culture, specifically that of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Who is known as the first humanist of the Renaissance?

Petrarch is known as the first humanist of the Renaissance.

What did humanism emphasize during the Renaissance?

Humanism emphasized admiration and emulation of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, enjoying life, glorifying human achievements, and focusing on the importance of individuals.

What was Martin Luther's key belief that contributed to the Reformation?

Justification by faith alone; the belief that faith alone, without good works, leads to salvation.

What were the short-term causes of the Reformation?

1. John Wycliffe's advocacy for church reform. 2. Jan Hus challenging the authority of priests. 3. The Avignon Exile and Great Schism undermining the Church's power. 4. The invention of the printing press allowing rapid spread of Reformation ideas.

What was the significance of the Diet of Worms?

At the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther refused to recant his writings, leading to his excommunication and the rise of Lutheranism.

What were the main characteristics of Medieval art compared to Renaissance art?

Medieval art lacked depth and perspective, was religiously themed, and showed no emotion; Renaissance art featured realistic depictions, depth, perspective, and emotional expression.

What was the impact of the Scientific Revolution?

The Scientific Revolution transformed European views of the universe, emphasizing observation, reason, and empirical evidence over traditional beliefs.

What did the Treaty of Versailles mandate in 1919?

The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations on Germany, redrew European borders, and established the League of Nations.

What were the key outcomes of the 1848 revolutions in Europe?

All revolutions generally failed due to lack of unity among revolutionary factions, but some liberal reforms such as universal male suffrage were established.

What was the primary goal of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648?

To end the Thirty Years War and establish a framework for national sovereignty and balance of power.

What was the main feature of Fascism as a political ideology?

Fascism glorified the state over the individual and emphasized nationalism and militarism, rejecting liberal ideas.

What were the major impacts of World War II on Europe?

Europe faced significant destruction, economic hardship, and a subsequent push towards recovery and the establishment of new political organizations such as the United Nations.

What is the significance of the term 'The Great Fear' in the context of the French Revolution?

The Great Fear refers to the widespread panic among peasants during the Revolution, leading to violent uprisings against the nobility.

What was the influence of the Enlightenment on modern political thought?

The Enlightenment introduced ideas of reason, skepticism, toleration, and democracy, influencing revolutionary movements and modern political ideologies.

What was the outcome of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956?

The uprising was brutally suppressed by Soviet troops, leading to the reinstatement of a hardline communist regime.

What did the Marshall Plan aim to achieve post-World War II?

The Marshall Plan aimed to aid European recovery by providing economic support to rebuild war-torn regions to prevent the spread of communism.

What was the ideology that gained traction following the economic crises of the 1970s?

Radicalism emerged in response to dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and economic management, often leading to socialist movements and parties gaining support.

What were the main features of the Weimar Republic?

The Weimar Republic featured a parliamentary system with proportional representation, a constitution that allowed for a range of political freedoms, yet suffered from instability and economic challenges.

What event sparked the beginning of World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, triggered a series of alliances that led to the outbreak of war.

What was significant about the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk marked Russia's exit from WWI, forcing heavy territorial concessions to Germany.

What was the result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Cuban Missile Crisis ended with the agreement that the USSR would remove missiles from Cuba while the US promised not to invade Cuba and secretly removed its missiles from Turkey.

What did the Treaty of Paris (1783) achieve?

The Treaty ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence from Britain and establishing borders for the new nation.