Renaissance & Age of Expansion

Renaissance:

  1. Beginning of the Renaissance (14th Century)

    • The Renaissance begins in Italy, marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, inspired by the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature, and art.

  2. Florence as the Center of Renaissance (15th Century)

    • Florence emerges as a key center of Renaissance art and culture, supported by wealthy patrons such as the Medici family.

  3. Invention of the Printing Press (1440)

    • Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press, revolutionizing the spread of knowledge and literature.

  4. Leonardo da Vinci's Works (Late 15th Century)

    • Leonardo creates masterpieces such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," showcasing advances in realism and human anatomy.

  5. The Rise of Humanism (15th Century)

    • The philosophy of humanism emphasizes the value of human beings, encouraging the study of classical texts and promoting education.

  6. Michelangelo's David (1501-1504)

    • Michelangelo completes the statue of David, a pinnacle of Renaissance sculpture, exemplifying the period's focus on human beauty and proportion.

  7. The Reformation (1517)

    • Martin Luther begins the Protestant Reformation, challenging the Catholic Church and leading to significant religious and cultural shifts during the Renaissance.

  8. Publication of "The Prince" (1532)

    • Niccolò Machiavelli publishes "The Prince," a political treatise that introduces new ideas about power and governance.

  9. The Council of Trent (1545-1563)

    • The Catholic Church responds to the Reformation through the Council of Trent, initiating significant reforms and defining doctrines.

  10. Completion of St. Peter's Basilica (1626)

    • The construction of St. Peter's Basilica is completed, symbolizing the height of Renaissance architecture and the Church's power.

Age of Expansion:

  1. Early Voyages (15th Century)

    • Exploration of the African coast by Portuguese navigators begins, marking the start of the Age of Expansion.

  2. Christopher Columbus Discovers America (1492)

    • Columbus sails across the Atlantic, landing in the Bahamas and claiming the New World for Spain.

  3. Vasco da Gama Reaches India (1498)

    • Da Gama sails around Africa to reach India, establishing a sea route that enhances trade with Asia.

  4. Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

    • Agreement between Spain and Portugal to divide the newly discovered lands to avoid conflict.

  5. Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire (1521)

    • Hernán Cortés defeats the Aztec Empire, leading to further Spanish colonization in the Americas.

  6. Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire (1533)

    • Francisco Pizarro conquers the Inca Empire in Peru, extending Spanish dominance in South America.

  7. Establishment of the Spanish Philippines (1565)

    • Miguel López de Legazpi establishes Spanish control over the Philippines, creating a significant Asian colony.

  8. The Rise of Dutch and English Naval Power (17th Century)

    • Dutch and English fleets challenge Spanish and Portuguese supremacy in global trade.

  9. The Atlantic Slave Trade (16th-19th Century)

    • The establishment of a transatlantic slave trade system that fuels plantation economies in the Americas.

  10. End of the Age of Expansion (18th Century)

    • The decline of colonial empires begins as global conflicts shift power away from Europe, marking the transition to modern imperialism.

Most Significant People of the Renaissance:

  1. Johannes Gutenberg - Inventor of the printing press, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and literature during the Renaissance.

  2. Leonardo da Vinci - Renowned artist and thinker of the Renaissance, known for masterpieces like the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper."

  3. Michelangelo - Influential sculptor and artist famous for works like the statue of David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

  4. Martin Luther - Key figure in the Protestant Reformation who challenged the Catholic Church, leading to significant religious and cultural transformations.

  5. Niccolò Machiavelli - Author of "The Prince," a political treatise that introduced new ideas about power and governance in the Renaissance.

Most Significant People of the Age of Expansion

  1. Christopher Columbus - Navigator who discovered America in 1492, claiming the New World for Spain.

  2. Vasco da Gama - Explorer who reached India in 1498, establishing a new sea route that boosted trade with Asia.

  3. Hernán Cortés - Conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521, facilitating Spanish colonization in the Americas.

  4. Francisco Pizarro - Conquistador known for his conquest of the Inca Empire in 1533, expanding Spanish dominance in South America.

  5. Miguel López de Legazpi - Explorer who established Spanish control over the Philippines in 1565, creating an important Asian colony.