Exploration and Conquest: The Rise of the West

The belief that salvation can be achieved through faith alone, without the need for good works or the intervention of the Church.

New Protestant churches were established across Northern Europe and America, leading to a diversity of Christian denominations.

The Protestant Reformation encouraged people to question authority, both in religion and politics.

The Protestant Reformation weakened the power of the Pope and strengthened the authority of monarchs.

The emphasis on personal Bible study led to a general increase in literacy, as people sought to understand the scriptures themselves.

The Protestant Reformation emphasized the importance of marriage and family life, leading to a rise in the status of women.

Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church and establishment of the Church of England.

The belief that God has predetermined who will be saved and who will be damned, even before birth.

A religious movement that began in 16th century Europe, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church and leading to the establishment of new Protestant denominations.

A document containing 95 statements criticizing the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences.

The act of granting forgiveness for sins in exchange for money or other acts of piety.

A belief that salvation is achieved only through faith in Jesus Christ, not through good works or religious rituals.

A religious leader who challenged the authority of the Catholic Church in the 16th century

A decree issued by the Holy Roman Empire that declared Martin Luther an outlaw for his religious teachings.

A treaty that ended the religious wars in Germany and allowed for both Catholicism and Lutheranism to coexist.

The first Protestant denomination, founded by Martin Luther, emphasizing justification by faith and scripture as the sole source of religious authority.

A period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in Europe, characterized by reason, scientific inquiry, and a shift in focus from religion to human capabilities.

A philosophical and theological belief system that posits a creator God who set the universe in motion but does not intervene in its workings.

A collection of knowledge compiled by French thinkers during the Enlightenment. It aimed to catalog and disseminate knowledge across diverse fields.

A period of extraordinary scientific discovery and innovation in Europe, laying the foundation for the Enlightenment.

A group of French intellectuals who met in salons to discuss ideas and debate the latest philosophical and scientific theories.

The Ottoman Empire, Safavid Dynasty, and Mughal Empire, characterized by their military prowess and expansion in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Ming China, recognized for its advanced manufacturing, vast and diverse population, and a powerful and effective government that established the Great Wall.

A period of prosperity and consolidation in Asian empires while Europe faced religious conflicts, characterized by flourishing trade, effective leadership, and expanding influence.

The Catholic Church's desire to reassert its power and influence in Europe in response to the Protestant Reformation.

Missionary efforts by the Catholic Church, especially by the Jesuits, to spread Catholicism across the Americas and Asia.

The Jesuits, a Catholic religious order, were founded by Ignatius Loyola in response to the Protestant Reformation. They were actively involved in politics, education, and missionary work.

A period of significant religious and political change in Europe as a result of the Protestant Reformation, leading to religious and political conflict.

A 30-year war (1618-1648) between Catholic and Protestant forces in central Europe, representing the Habsburg's struggle for dominance, with the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs, and the Dutch seeking independence from Spain.

The Peace of Westphalia (1648) resulted in a fragile balance of power between Protestant and Catholic states, recognizing their co-existence. The Dutch gained their independence.

The Thirty Years War devastated central Europe, leading to a century of economic and population recovery. The war also transformed warfare tactics, shifting from sieges between nobles to centralized states fielding standing armies.

The Thirty Years War transformed the composition of armies, moving away from local militias to professional mercenary armies.

The Mughal Empire shifted from religious tolerance under Akbar to a more pro-Muslim agenda under Aurangzeb, sparking conflict and unrest.

Under Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire imposed taxes on Hindus (jizya) and persecuted their faith, ultimately leading to resistance.

The arrival of Europeans, particularly the Portuguese and British, in India led to competition for trade routes and ultimately, British conquest of Indian territories.

The Mughal Empire's wealth derived from agricultural taxes, silver imports, and flourishing trade, allowing for artistic and architectural advancements.

The Mughal Empire exhibited a blend of Islamic and Hindu traditions, influenced by the empire's religious diversity. Islamic traditions dominated in the political and legal systems, while Hindus participated in cultural flourishing.

Like the Mughal Empire, Ming China achieved significant economic growth during the 16th century, benefiting from substantial trade and a surge in population.

Ming China, unlike the Mughal Empire, restricted European merchants to designated port cities, limiting their influence.

Silver from the Americas flowed into Ming China, contributing significantly to its economic boom and enabling the circulation of money instead of goods.

The Ottoman Empire, known for its strong military (Janissaries) and expansion of Islam, lasted until 1922. The empire's influence kept Eastern Europe in a state of flux, allowing Western European powers to gain dominance.

The Safavid Dynasty, centered in modern-day Iran, was the main rival of the Ottomans in the East. They were known for their centralized state, based on military conquest and Shia Islam. Despite their focus on religion, they were never as wealthy or powerful as the Ottomans or Mughals.

Safavid rulers aimed to showcase both their authority and accessibility through their architecture. Unlike the Ottomans' Topkapi in Istanbul or the Mughals' Red Forts, Isfahan was open to the world. The city's centerpiece, a massive plaza, showcased the empire's wealth and power.

The Safavid Empire experienced a flourishing of artistic expression. Safavid artists produced beautifully crafted objects, showcasing their culture through illustrated books, intricate silks and carpets, detailed tiles and mosaics, and elaborate calligraphy.

Global trade strengthened Safavid rivals while also fostering artistic and architectural creativity. The Safavid Empire provided a home for Shiite Islam, allowing the display of their culture.

The Safavid Empire's political and religious system was a blend of Shiism and loyalty to the royal family. Shah Abbas I, who ruled from 1587 to 1929, promoted a culture based on these principles. The new capital, Isfahan, displayed the empire's wealth and royal power.

Akbar, Babur's grandson, unified India under a policy of religious tolerance during his reign from 1556 to 1605. He allowed Hinduism and Islam to coexist openly, promoting alliances and peace within the empire.

The Mughal Empire's trade brought immense wealth, limiting European intrusion into their empire. This period of economic prosperity allowed for a golden age of flourishing art and architecture, exemplified by the Taj Mahal constructed under Shah Jahan.