Renaissance and Age of Discovery

A period of cultural and intellectual rebirth that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe until the 17th century, marked by a renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and the arts.

A philosophical and intellectual movement that emphasized the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, focusing on education, reason, and critical thinking. It was a reaction to the scholasticism of the Middle Ages.

Renaissance art reflected a renewed interest in classical forms, realism, and humanism. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael showcased human forms with great depth and beauty.

A major period of scientific discoveries and innovations that revolutionized the way people understood the natural world. Key figures include Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.

Renaissance literature reflected a renewed interest in classical forms, humanism, and vernacular languages. Famous authors include William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Dante Alighieri.

The printing press allowed for the widespread dissemination of art, ideas, and knowledge across Europe, contributing to the intellectual and cultural flourishing of the Renaissance.

A period of significant advancements in exploration, colonization, and trade, mainly driven by European nations expanding their influence and seeking new resources.

The Renaissance witnessed the emergence of the middle class, an increasingly wealthy group of merchants and artisans, who benefited from a growing economy and trade.

The desire for new trade routes to Asia, the revival of classical knowledge during the Renaissance, advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, competition between European nations for wealth and power, and the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus.

A period of great cultural and artistic growth in Italy from the 14th to 17th centuries. It emphasized classical art, literature, and philosophy, as well as humanism and individualism.

Rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts, growth of wealthy merchant classes, and patronage by wealthy families like the Medici.

New artistic techniques like perspective and chiaroscuro, inspiring masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. It also influenced literature through works by Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio.

A cultural and artistic movement in Northern Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning, individualism, and humanism.

Focus on classical learning, reason, and the study of ancient texts. This emphasized the importance of individualism and humanism.

The Protestant Reformation, a challenge to the Catholic Church, led to the establishment of new Protestant churches, shaping religious landscape.

Art focused on realism, detailed depictions, and the use of light and shadow for depth and texture, resulting in unique and innovative styles.

Scholars made significant contributions to fields like astronomy, mathematics, and anatomy, pushing scientific boundaries.

A German artist known for his engravings and woodcuts, featuring religious and mythological themes with high detail.

A Flemish painter known for his use of oil paint and detailed depictions. His most famous work is the Ghent Altarpiece.

A Dutch humanist and scholar, a leading figure in the Northern Renaissance, known for his critical approach to religion and belief in education.

An English playwright and poet, considered one of the greatest writers in English, whose works like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet are still popular today.

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, it revolutionized information dissemination by producing books quickly and cheaply, leading to increased literacy and spread of ideas.

A period from 1450 to 1648 that saw significant changes in the political, economic, and social structures of European monarchies.

The exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas) following Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492.

The introduction of new crops like maize, potatoes, and tomatoes to Europe from the Americas, leading to increased food supply and population growth.

The introduction of new animals like horses and cattle to the Americas from Europe, transforming Native American societies and their agricultural practices.

The introduction of new diseases such as smallpox from the Old World to the New World, leading to devastating epidemics among Native American populations.

A complex trade network that involved the exchange of goods and people between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The forced transportation of millions of Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to work on plantations in the Americas, primarily for sugar production.

The economic and social consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, including the development of plantation economies, the growth of European wealth, and the exploitation and oppression of Africans.

A period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism that occurred from the 16th to the 18th centuries, characterized by increased trade, capitalism, and the growth of empires.

The growth of trade and commerce between European nations and other parts of the world, driven by the exploration of new trade routes and the discovery of new markets.

The rise of capitalism as a dominant economic system, where individuals and businesses invest in ventures with the goal of making profits.

The increase in the number of people living in urban areas due to the growth of industries and trade, leading to the development of cities and new social structures.

The emergence of a new social class of merchants, traders, and bankers who accumulated wealth and influence during the Commercial Revolution.

The expansion of European colonial empires across the globe, driven by the desire for resources, wealth, and power, which had significant impacts on colonized regions.

A major turning point in European history that marked a shift from the medieval world to a more modern and globally connected world.

The Renaissance was a time of intellectual and artistic rebirth, driving exploration, innovation, and a thirst for knowledge - paving the way for the Age of Discovery.

The decline of the feudal system in Europe during the late Middle Ages. This led to the emergence of new social and economic classes that challenged the traditional power structures of the feudal lords.

The increasing importance of trade and commerce in Europe during the late Middle Ages that led to the rise of a wealthy merchant class. These merchants supported monarchs in exchange for political and economic privileges.

A major religious movement in Europe during the 16th century that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. This led to the creation of new Protestant churches and further contributed to the rise of strong monarchies who supported their own religious agendas.

A powerful and centralized European monarchy that emerged during the late Middle Ages and early modern period, characterized by the consolidation of power, establishment of bureaucracies, expansion of armies, and growth of national economies.

The process by which a central authority, typically a monarch, consolidated their power over various regions and groups, reducing the influence of local lords and establishing a unified, centralized government.

The creation of formal organizations and structures, staffed by trained officials who carried out the administration of the state under the direction of the monarch. These bureaucracies helped to manage the affairs of the state more efficiently.

The expansion of armies by European monarchs, often through the introduction of new weapons and training methods, to maintain control over their territories and defend their interests against rivals or threats.

The growth of national economies in Europe promoted by New Monarchies through policies that supported trade and commerce, and encouraged the development of domestic industries. These policies led to the development of national markets and increased wealth.

A period of European overseas exploration and discovery that lasted from the 15th to 17th centuries, driven by the desire for new trade routes, resources, and territories. European explorers sailed across the oceans, leading to the discovery of new lands and the expansion of European influence.

The desire to establish new trade routes to Asia, as the traditional routes were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, making trade difficult and expensive.

The desire to spread Christianity, as a core motivation for some European explorers, who sought to convert the native populations they encountered during their expeditions.

The advancements in shipbuilding, navigation, and cartography during the 15th and 16th centuries, which made long-distance travel and exploration possible.

European countries sought new sources of wealth, such as gold, silver, and other valuable resources, which fueled the exploration and colonization of new lands.

The establishment of colonies by European powers in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, leading to the spread of European culture and influence.