HIST TA STUDY SESH

Byzantium: A historical empire that existed until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
- Constantinople: The capital of the Byzantine Empire, which was one of the largest cities in the empire.
- Fall of Constantinople: Marked by the victory of the Ottoman Turks, led to significant geopolitical changes.
Ottoman Turks: A significant empire emerging after the fall of Byzantium, which influenced global politics and trade.

Dates are crucial for contextualizing historical events.
Example: Charles V and Henry VIII were incorrectly stated to have conflicts over Constantinople after its fall, as they were not born until later.

Principality: Governed by a single ruler, generally a monarch.
- Example: Putin's Russia is described as a principality, indicating a centralized power structure.
Republic: Typically has elected officials representing the populace.
- Example: Modern-day United States compared to 15th-century Florence as a republic.
Contemporary Licensing: Principles differentiate between current free societies and past political forms (principality vs. republic).

Niccolò Machiavelli: Emphasized the importance of sovereign power and effectiveness in governance.
- Machiavellianism characterized by ruthlessness where necessary to maintain control.
Not all political actions are Machiavellian but some, like the pursuit of active supremacy, can be interpreted as such.

Geopolitical Dynamics: Discussed through the lens of British geographer Halford Mackinder, who proposed the term "pivot area" in the context of power struggles.
Exploratory Movements: Movements across the Atlantic and into Africa influenced the Columbian Revolution, requiring trade routes and exploration.

Historical Context: Connected to the efforts of Henry the Navigator, notable for his role in seafaring expeditions.
Strategic Location: Sueda, located in Africa near the Straits of Gibraltar, was crucial for controlling trade routes.
- Facilitated the movement into the New World and towards East India, aiming to bypass Ottoman control.
Religious Mission: Conquering Sueda as part of the civilizational mission to protect Western Christendom against Islam.
Benefits from the conquest:
- Enhanced prestige among other Christian powers and potential allies like the Pope.
- Increased security for Portugal’s territorial interests and influence in European politics.

Significance: Major naval confrontation between Western Christian powers and the Ottoman Turks, symbolizing the broader religious struggle.
Charles V’s Role: His funding and preparations allowed for the formation of a robust navy to combat the Ottomans, tapping resources from the New World.
- Outcomes of the Battle: The defeat of the Ottomans shifted control of the Mediterranean to Western powers, marking a pivotal change in trade dynamics following the Columbian Revolution.
Importance in historical context:
- Illustrates the ongoing struggle against Ottoman expansion and the preservation of Christendom.

Machiavellian Aspects of Charles V: Investments made by Charles to secure power even after his death, ensuring his heirs continued to address the Ottoman threat.
Legacy of Elizabeth I: The long reign and influence of Elizabeth I in solidifying Protestantism and commencing colonization efforts, significantly impacting England's power dynamics in Europe and its eventual emergence as a global empire.

Focus on essential details such as who was involved, what happened, and the impact regarding significant historical events and figures.
Consider comparing and contrasting important figures (e.g., Henry VIII vs. Elizabeth I) and events (e.g., battle narratives and their global significance).
Highlight connections between political strategies and broader trends in governance, power, and cultural shifts during the period.
Address key themes of fortune and virtue as discussed by Machiavelli in the context of historical figures.

No notes allowed during exams; rely on memorization and understanding of key concepts discussed in lectures.
Prepare to answer questions about term relationships, context, and impacts, focusing on structured, concise responses.
Use the framework of who, what, and why for each historical subject matter to guide essay responses.