History of the Renaissance and Capitalism

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Questions and Answers

What was a major cause of the French Revolution? Select the answer that is NOT a cause.

The French Enlightenment's ideas of getting rid of the King.

The loss of the Seven Years' War.

The King's lack of funding the American Revolution. (correct)

The decline of the French economy due to famine and food shortage.

Which of the following social groups had the greatest impact on the French Revolution?

The nobles.

The merchants.

The clergy.

The peasants. (correct)

What role did the Tennis Court Oath play in the French Revolution?

This oath unified the Third Estate's revolutionary goals and marked a turning point in the Revolution. (correct)

It led to the immediate execution of the King and Queen.

It granted the Third Estate equal voting power with the other two Estates.

It established a new form of government for France.

How did the French Revolution affect the role of the Church and State?

It led to an ideological shift towards separation of church and state. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions by Louis XVI is considered a major factor in his downfall?

Trying to flee France, seen as treason. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the French Revolution?

The consolidation of absolute power by Napoleon. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between the French Revolution and the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment provided a framework for revolutionary ideas, challenging the existing order. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Jacobins?

To implement radical reforms through violence and eliminate all opposition to their ideals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role did "sans-culottes" play in the French Revolution?

They were a group of revolutionaries that represented working-class people and fought for their interests. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Revolution?

Napoleon capitalized on the ideals of the French Revolution to consolidate his power. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What were the three main classes in Europe around 1500?

Upper class, middle class, lower class (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did peasants typically struggle with geography during battles?

They often got lost and couldn't find their way home. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant economic trend characterized Europe in the 1500s?

Birth of capitalism (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which class benefited the most during the economic expansion of the Renaissance?

Middle class (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major resource that impacted trade during the Renaissance?

Gold and silver (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which economic policy involves maximizing exports and minimizing imports?

Mercantilism (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for introducing the printing press in the Renaissance?

Johannes Gutenberg (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a challenge faced by artists during the Renaissance regarding human anatomy?

Inaccurate depictions of the human body (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Napoleon's fall related to the Continental System?

Russia withdrew from the system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did nationalism affect Napoleon's forces over time?

It diminished their loyalty to France. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Congress of Vienna?

To maintain peace and stability in Europe. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of the Industrial Revolution?

The introduction of large-scale industry. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the onset of the Industrial Revolution?

Urbanization and population movement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the impacts of the Industrial Revolution on class structure?

The emergence of a large middle class. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Napoleon's invasion of Russia?

It led to his exile in Elba. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Industrial Revolution NOT primarily focus on?

Developing agricultural tools. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary method Bismarck believed would achieve the unification of Germany?

Military strength and decisive actions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which war resulted in the creation of the North German Confederation?

Austro-Prussian War (B) Signup and view all the answers

What strategic action did Bismarck take to ensure Russia's stance before the war against Austria?

Secured a neutrality agreement with Russia (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Bismarck utilize the concept of a common enemy in the unification of Germany?

By uniting German states against France and Austria (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Franco-Prussian War for German unification?

It resulted in the unification of northern and southern Germany (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action did Bismarck take to strengthen the Prussian military?

Illegally raised taxes to fund military expansion (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provinces did Prussia gain after the Danish War?

Schleswig and Holstein (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Bismarck ensure victories against enemies that threatened German unification?

By engaging in preemptive and strategic military actions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by Tsar Alexander II during his reign?

Emancipating the Russian serfs (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which Tsar introduced repressive measures after the Decemberist revolt?

Tsar Nicholas I (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Tsar Nicholas II's forced acceptance of liberal reforms?

Frequent workers' strikes and anti-government protests (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the assassination of Tsar Alexander II?

The continuation of repressive policies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Marx believe is necessary for communism to be realized?

Violent, radical revolution (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Tsar Nicholas II's reign?

Frequent instability with protests and strikes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which group was responsible for the assassination of Tsar Alexander II?

People’s Will (D) Signup and view all the answers

What major international conflict did Russia engage in during Nicholas II's reign?

The Russo-Japanese War (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the liberal ideas spreading in Russia post-Napoleonic era?

Formation of radical movements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What ideology proposes the absence of private property along with social classes?

Communism (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivator for many Italian nationalists seeking unification?

A desire to establish a more democratic government (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events led to the unification of Italy?

The alliance between the Kingdom of Sardinia and France to expel Austria from Italy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Count Camillo di Cavour's role in Italian unification?

He skillfully negotiated alliances with foreign powers, securing crucial support for the unification cause (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be considered a consequence of the unification of Italy?

The unification of Italy sparked a period of economic growth and prosperity (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which historical development can be described as a reaction to the Age of Enlightenment?

The rise of Romanticism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Romanticism?

Emphasis on individualism and emotional expression (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was Darwin's contribution to scientific thought?

He proposed a theory of evolution based on natural selection (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Industrial Revolution contribute to?

Significant social and economic changes in Europe (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Renaissance (1490s-1520s)

Class structure consisted of upper class (kings, clergy, knights, nobles), middle class (merchants, doctors), and lower class (peasants, serfs). The majority of the population was lower class.
Concept of world was limited to local knowledge; peasants often didn't know how to return home after battles.
Concept of self was primarily tied to serving one's lord and working the land. Last names were not common.

Birth of Capitalism

16th century Europe saw rapid economic growth (commercial revolution).
Large sums of capital were used in large-scale manufacturing, commerce and agriculture.
This impacted social classes, with the middle class growing as artisans and laborers improved their social position.
European geography changed trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, shifting economic power from Italian cities to Atlantic coast cities.

Impact of the New World

The discovery of America brought wealth from gold and silver mining and natural resources.
This created new opportunities for trade, although maps and understanding of the world were inaccurate at that time.
This had significant effects on capitalism that impacted trade and industries.

Mercantilism

Countries sought to achieve self-sufficiency by maximizing exports and minimizing imports.
This was related to a nationalist economic policy
Countries tried to maintain a balance for trade within their colonies and with other countries.

Six Major Figures of the Renaissance

Johannes Gutenberg: Introduced the printing press, publishing his version of the bible.
Leonardo da Vinci: A famous Renaissance artist.
Martin Luther: Challenged the Church, laying the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation.

Absolutism and the Enlightenment (1685-1815)

Louis XIV embodied the divine right of kings, believing he was God's representative on Earth. He centralized power and controlled the nobility.
Power and control was strengthened by moving the court to Versailles and reducing the powers of the nobility.
Standing armies were established, loyal to the direct authority of the King.
France became influential in Europe, as displayed by the rise of French language and culture in other European countries.
Enlightment thinkers questioned unquestioning obedience to authority, instead advocating for free discussion and debate.
The Enlightenment promoted the idea of deism, where God created the universe but does not actively intervene in human affairs.
Major ideas debated included the free market, freedom of speech and the press, abolition of slavery and human rights for women, and public education.

The French Revolution/Napoleon (1789)

The French Revolution involved the overthrow of the French monarchy.
The French Revolution was a significant event in global history, with ideas based in liberalism and inspired from the Enlightenment.
Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power through military service during the French Revolution and later became Emperor, further spreading Enlightenment ideas.
Nationalism spread as loyalty to the nation became more important than allegiance to a particular ruler or to a specific aristocracy.
Napoleon spread nationalism, but increasing loyalty to individual countries and a reduced loyalties to France undermined his forces.
The Continental System, intended to prevent trade with Britain, had the reverse effect as countries sought to continue trade outside France
The French Revolution had repercussions in other countries, including America and the political revolutions that were inspired by Enlightenment ideals.

The Industrial Revolution (1760-1820-1840)

Machines and new technologies transformed agriculture-based and handicraft economies into larger scale industrial economies.
Urbanization increased as populations moved from rural areas to urban centers for employment opportunities in factories.
Advancements in metalwork and production techniques spurred a shift towards large-scale industrialized manufacturing.
Economic growth and improved quality of life arose from industrialization.
Class structure was impacted with new "middle classes" along with the traditional working class arising.
Industrial revolution and society witnessed the rise of political and moral philosophies, such as liberalism, that emphasized individual rights.
Economic changes with capitalism and large-scale commercial activity.

Nationalism (Unification of Germany & Italy)

Otto von Bismarck, a Prussian Prime Minister, aimed to unify German states under Prussian authority.
He used military strength, and diplomatic isolation of enemies to complete the unification of Germany.
The unification of Germany resulted in a stronger, unified German nation, a powerful military and more prominent nation-state.
Count Camillo di Cavour led the unification of Italy, facing the challenge of Austria; however, he used treaties and alliances to ultimately complete the unification of the Italian States.
Unification meant that loyalties shifted from local rulers to broader national identities.

The Russian Revolution (1917-1923):

Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Economic hardship, poverty, and lack of resources were issues that fueled the revolution.
Tsar Nicholas II was a weak leader and unable to manage the increasing pressure and demands for change.
Lenin, as head of the Bolshevik party, led a successful revolution that ended the Romanov dynasty.
The Bolshevik Revolution resulted in Marxist principles being implemented in Russia and a new communist state.

China, Japan, and Imperialist Forces (1600s-1700s):

British relations with China in the 17th and 18th centuries were marked by trade and conflict.
Britain's Opium Wars with China were over the opium trade and the desire for resources.
Japan underwent an industrial revolution and rapid growth in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Japanese imperialism in East Asia challenged and impacted Chinese and other nearby territories.

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Explore the transformative period of the Renaissance from the 1490s to the 1520s, highlighting class structures and the birth of capitalism in 16th century Europe. This quiz delves into the impact of the New World and how economic shifts influenced social hierarchies and trade routes. Test your knowledge on this pivotal era in history.