European History Quiz: Early Modern Period

The Native American population in the Caribbean was drastically reduced by diseases brought from Europe, leading to a labor shortage. Enslaved Africans were brought to the Caribbean to work on sugarcane plantations.

Peninsulares were people born in Spain or Portugal who held the most power in Latin American colonies. They were the only ones allowed to hold important government positions.

Social class in Latin America in the 1500s was based on status, not earnings or intelligence, determined by birth and heritage. Peninsulares held the highest status, followed by Creoles and then mixed race groups.

Spain and Portugal made money from their Latin American colonies mainly through farming and mining. Gold, silver, and agricultural products were shipped back to Europe.

The Catholic Church had a major influence in Latin America because Spanish and Portuguese rulers wanted to convert Native Americans to Catholicism. The church played a role in colonizing and controlling these lands.

The discovery of a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama in the late 15th century proved immensely profitable due to the vast quantities of spices he brought back.

This treaty divided the newly discovered lands in the Americas between Portugal and Spain, setting a line of demarcation to avoid conflict.

The Spanish conquistadors' superior weaponry, such as guns and cannons, gave them a significant edge over the Aztec and Inca empires, who relied on traditional weapons.

Mercantilism, an economic theory prevalent during the Age of Exploration, emphasized the importance of a large supply of gold and silver (bullion) for national wealth.

The Dutch East India Company, fueled by the principles of mercantilism, prospered in Asian trade due to its efficient ships and emphasis on acquiring wealth.

An architectural style that emerged in the 16th century, characterized by elaborate ornamentation, dramatic curves, and a focus on grandeur. It aimed to inspire awe and wonder in viewers.

The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, officially ended the Thirty Years' War. This treaty established a new European order, recognizing the sovereignty of states and ushering in an era of religious tolerance.

The Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV in 1598, granted religious freedom to French Protestants (Huguenots), ending the French Wars of Religion.

A belief that monarchs derive their authority from God and are therefore responsible only to God, not to their subjects.

Supporters of Parliament during the English Civil War (1642-1651). They were known for their short, unfashionable haircuts.

Oliver Cromwell, after defeating King Charles I's forces, established a military dictatorship and executed Parliament members opposed to his policies.

The Glorious Revolution, marked by William and Mary taking the throne, led to the Bill of Rights, establishing a constitutional monarchy with limited power for the monarch.

France fought against the Holy Roman Empire and Spain in the Thirty Years' War to gain political dominance in Europe.

Peter the Great believed adopting Western technology and modernization, particularly for the military, was crucial for Russia's rise to power.

Mannerist art reflected the religious upheavals and anxieties of the Reformation through its exaggerated forms and emotional intensity.

The Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV of France in 1598, granted religious freedom to Huguenots, French Protestants, allowing them to worship publicly in certain areas and hold public office. It aimed to end the French Wars of Religion.

The Spanish Armada was a fleet of warships assembled by King Philip II of Spain in 1588. It was intended to invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth I, a Protestant ruler, but it was defeated by the English navy.

The Act of Supremacy, passed in 1534, declared King Henry VIII of England the supreme head of the Church of England, separating the Church from Rome. This gave the monarch ultimate control over religious matters.

A heretic was someone who held beliefs that were different from or opposed to the established doctrines of a religion, often considered blasphemous or dangerous. This was common in the period of religious reforms and conflicts.

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) devastated Germany, leading to widespread destruction, famine, and population decline. It weakened the Holy Roman Empire, allowing some German princes more autonomy, and left Germany politically fragmented and economically crippled.

Galileo Galilei argued that people are born with a blank mind, meaning they are not born with innate knowledge. This idea challenged the belief in pre-existing ideas and suggested that knowledge is acquired through experience and observation.

The Rococo style, prominent in the 18th century, emphasized grace, charm, and ornamentation. It's known for its delicate curves, pastel colors, and playful themes, often reflecting a carefree and luxurious lifestyle.

René Descartes, a French philosopher, is considered the father of modern rationalism. He emphasized the importance of reason and logic in acquiring knowledge, famously declaring "I think, therefore I am."

The heliocentric model of the universe puts the Sun at the center, with the planets revolving around it. This was a major shift from the earlier geocentric model, which placed Earth at the center.

The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press. It protects individual liberties against government overreach.

The separation of powers is a principle of government that divides governmental authority into three branches: the legislative branch (makes laws), the executive branch (enforces laws), and the judicial branch (interprets laws).

Deism is a religious philosophy that emphasizes reason and natural law as the basis for belief in God. Deists believe that God created the universe but doesn't intervene in human affairs.

The social contract is a philosophical concept that argues that individuals agree to give up some of their individual freedom in exchange for the protection and benefits of living in a society governed by laws and rules.

Enlightened absolutists were monarchs who adopted some of the Enlightenment's ideas, particularly those emphasizing reason and progress, but maintained their absolute power. They sought to improve society with reforms but didn't surrender their authority.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763, ended the Seven Years' War. It marked the decline of France as a global power and the rise of Britain as the dominant colonial force. Britain gained vast territories in North America and India.

The French Revolution began due to an economic crisis caused by bad harvests, slow manufacturing, and a high cost of living.

Faced with thousands of armed Parisians marching on his palace, Louis XVI was forced to accept the National Assembly's decrees.

The threat of foreign intervention to restore Louis XVI to the throne caused the French Revolution to become more radical and violent.

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy brought the Catholic Church under the control of the French state, limiting its power.

The Directory, a weak government after the Reign of Terror, had to rely on the military to maintain control.

Napoleon's government system focused on merit, promoting officials based on ability rather than social status or birth.

The strain of constant wars and financial burdens caused by Napoleon's conquests led to the downfall of his empire.

The Congress of Vienna aimed to restore traditional power structures and monarchies in Europe after Napoleon's defeat.

Napoleon implemented significant reforms in France, such as a new legal code and a more efficient bureaucracy.

Despite his failures, Napoleon's achievements included spreading revolutionary ideas like equality and nationalism across Europe, and pioneering advancements in military strategies.

These European powers wanted to weaken their rival, Great Britain, and gain advantages from a weakened British Empire. They saw an opportunity to expand their own influence and trade.

Austria and Prussia clashed over the control of Silesia, a rich region in central Europe, triggering a wider European conflict known as the Seven Years' War.

The Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years' War, leading to a major shift in global power. Britain emerged victorious, gaining vast territories in North America and India, while France lost ground.

A combination of issues, including bad harvests, slow manufacturing, and a high cost of living, created an economic crisis in France, pushing the people towards revolution.