Renaissance and Age of Exploration Overview

Time Period: 14th to 17th century, originating in Italy.
Key Characteristics:
- Revival of classical learning and art from Ancient Greece and Rome.
- Humanism: Emphasis on human potential and achievements.
- Innovations in art: Use of perspective, chiaroscuro, and realistic human figures.
Notable Figures:
- Leonardo da Vinci: Polymath known for works like the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper."
- Michelangelo: Sculptor and painter, famous for the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David.
- Petrarch: Father of Humanism; emphasized the study of classical texts.
Impact:
- Shift from religious to secular themes in art and literature.
- Increased patronage of the arts by wealthy families like the Medicis.
- Growth of literature in vernacular languages, enhancing accessibility.

Time Period: 15th to 17th century.
Motivations:
- Economic: Desire for new trade routes and resources (spices, gold).
- Religious: Spread of Christianity; competition between Catholic and Protestant nations.
- Political: National rivalries and the desire for empire.
Key Explorers:
- Christopher Columbus: Discovered the Americas in 1492 while seeking a westward route to Asia.
- Vasco da Gama: First to reach India by sea, opening up sea trade routes.
- Ferdinand Magellan: Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
Consequences:
- Establishment of colonies and trade networks.
- Cultural exchanges, including the Columbian Exchange (transfer of goods, people, and diseases).
- Impact on indigenous populations: Conquest, colonization, and significant population decline due to disease.

Time Period: Late 15th century to early 17th century.
Characteristics:
- Centralization of power: Monarchs consolidate authority, reducing the influence of feudal lords.
- Formation of modern nation-states: Development of distinct national identities and bureaucratic governments.
Key Examples:
- France: Louis XI strengthened royal authority and reduced the power of the nobility.
- Spain: Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain, completed the Reconquista, and sponsored Columbus.
- England: Henry VII established the Tudor dynasty, strengthening the monarchy after the Wars of the Roses.
Impacts:
- Increased power of the monarchy led to more efficient tax collection and military organization.
- Rise of absolute monarchy paved the way for later developments in European governance.
- Strengthening of national identities set the stage for future conflicts and political developments in Europe.

Time frame spans from the 14th to 17th century, initially flourishing in Italy.
Marked by a revival of classical learning and artistry rooted in Ancient Greece and Rome.
Humanism emerged, highlighting the potential and accomplishments of individuals.
Revolutionary artistic techniques included perspective, chiaroscuro, and realistic depictions of human figures.
Noteworthy contributors include:
- Leonardo da Vinci: Renowned polymath, famed works include the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper."
- Michelangelo: Esteemed sculptor and painter, recognized for the Sistine Chapel ceiling and his statue of David.
- Petrarch: Often referred to as the Father of Humanism, he emphasized the study of classical texts.
The period saw a transition from predominantly religious themes to secular subjects in art and literature.
Wealthy patrons like the Medicis significantly influenced and supported the arts.
Literature flourished in vernacular languages, improving accessibility to a broader audience.

Timeframe extends from the 15th to 17th century.
Motivated by economic desires for new trade routes and resources such as spices and gold.
Religious incentives included the spread of Christianity and competition between Catholic and Protestant nations.
Political motives involved national rivalries and the quest for empire.
Key explorers played pivotal roles:
- Christopher Columbus: Discovered the Americas in 1492 while attempting to find a westward route to Asia.
- Vasco da Gama: First explorer to reach India by sea, paving the way for maritime trade.
- Ferdinand Magellan: Led the inaugural expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
Consequences of exploration included:
- Establishment of colonies and expansive trade networks.
- Cultural exchanges embodied in the Columbian Exchange, which transformed the movement of goods, peoples, and diseases.
- Indigenous populations faced significant impact through conquest and colonization, leading to population declines due to disease.

Emerged from late 15th century to early 17th century.
Characterized by the centralization of power, with monarchs consolidating authority and diminishing feudal lord influence.
The formation of modern nation-states featured distinct national identities and bureaucratic governance.
Key examples of strengthened monarchies include:
- France: Louis XI bolstered royal power and reduced noble authority.
- Spain: Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain, completed the Reconquista, and sponsored Columbus's voyage.
- England: Henry VII established the Tudor dynasty, fortifying the monarchy post-Wars of the Roses.
The increasing power of monarchs led to more efficient tax collection and military organization.
The rise of absolute monarchy set the foundation for future European governance developments.
The strengthening of national identities laid the groundwork for subsequent conflicts and political advancements in Europe.