1400-1500 Notes

Peasant Revolts
- Significant uprisings among the peasant class in response to oppressive conditions, primarily fueled by taxation and feudal obligations.
Hundred Years' War
- A series of conflicts between England and France, lasting from 1337 to 1453, over territorial claims and feudal rights. This war had profound impacts on the national identities of both nations, military tactics, and the roles of kings.
Hapsburg-Valois War
- A series of conflicts between the Habsburg Empire and the Valois dynasty of France, marked by struggles for territory and influence in Europe.

Clerical Abuses
- Common issues within the Church that led to widespread discontent, including:
- Immorality: Instances of priests and clerics living otherwise scandalous lives contrary to their vows.
- Pluralism: The practice of holding multiple offices or positions within the Church simultaneously, leading to neglect of pastoral duties.
Key Figures:
- Jan Hus and John Wycliffe: Early reformers who criticised the Church's practices and laid the groundwork for future Reformation movements.

Medici Family
- A powerful banking family in Florence, known for their patronage of the arts and influence in politics during the Renaissance.
Henry VII
- The first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, who established a strong centralized monarchy in England.
Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon
- The Catholic Monarchs who unified Spain and sponsored Christopher Columbus’s voyages, strengthening Spain’s influence and power.
Louis XI
- The King of France known for his centralization of power and the strengthening of the French state, also known as the ‘Universal Spider’ for his web of alliances and political machinations.

Renaissance
- A period of European history marked by a revival of classical learning and wisdom.
- Leonardo da Vinci: Renowned polymath known for masterpieces such as 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper', known for his contributions to art, science, and engineering.
- Michelangelo: Florentine sculptor and painter known for creating iconic works such as the Statue of David and the frescos of the Sistine Chapel.
Time Frame:
- The Renaissance period primarily spans from 1400 to 1500.

Humanism
- An intellectual movement that emphasized the value of human beings, individualism, and secular concerns, based on classical literature and philosophy.
Secularism
- A focus on worldly rather than religious matters, reflecting a shift in interests towards human affairs and the physical world.
Individualism
- The belief in the importance of the individual and their rights, promoting personal identity and self-expression over collective or societal norms.

New Monarchs
- Monarchs who centralized power in their respective nations during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, establishing stronger national governments.
Fall of Constantinople
- The 1453 capture of the city by the Ottoman Empire, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and a significant shift in power dynamics in Europe and Asia.
Invasion of Italy by Charles VII
- The incursion by the French king into Italy, which contributed to the political fragmentation of the region and the power of local states.
Invention of the Printing Press
- Gutenberg's Bible: The first major book printed using movable type; this innovation greatly facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas across Europe, contributing to the Renaissance and Reformation movements.

Slave Trade
- The transatlantic slave trade that forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas for labor, fundamentally reshaping economies and societies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Voyages of Discovery
- Exploratory expeditions undertaken by Europeans during the Age of Discovery, leading to the establishment of new maritime routes and the expansion of trade networks.

Pragmatic Sanction
- A legal decree issued by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI that allowed female heirs to ascend to the throne, enabling Maria Theresa to inherit the Habsburg dominions, altering the political landscape of Europe.