The Reformation and Key Figures

Luther believed that the Bible should be the ultimate source of religious authority, not the Pope or Church traditions. He also emphasized that all believers are equal in the eyes of God and have a direct relationship with Him.

Luther's ideas resonated with many people who felt alienated by the Catholic Church. The printing press allowed his writings to spread rapidly across Europe. Powerful rulers like German princes supported Luther's movement, helping it gain political and financial backing.

The Catholic Church responded to the Reformation by condemning Luther's teachings as heresy. They also launched the Counter-Reformation, a period of reform and revival within the Catholic Church.

European explorers were motivated by a quest for wealth, trade routes, and new lands. They also competed for power and prestige among European nations.

European exploration led to the colonization of many parts of the world, the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between Europe and other continents, and the expansion of European knowledge and influence.

A philosophy that placed focus on human potential and classical knowledge.

A person who excelled in multiple fields of study and art, representing the ideal Renaissance individual.

A period in European history marked by a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy.

A religious movement aimed at reforming the Catholic Church, notably through emphasizing faith and scripture.

A German monk who challenged Catholic doctrine with his 95 Theses, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century. He famously made a pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, to demonstrate his wealth and religious devotion.

Mansa Musa's journey to Mecca had a significant impact on Cairo: it led to a surge in inflation due to his immense wealth and spending. It also increased global awareness of the Mali Empire's wealth and power. Mansa Musa also encouraged the spread of Islam in West Africa.

Medieval European society was structured in a pyramid, with the most powerful individuals at the top and least powerful individuals at the bottom. The Pope held religious authority, monarchs held political authority, nobles were powerful landowners, while peasants worked the land.

The Crusades were a series of religious wars, launched by European Christians, with the goal of retaking the Holy Land from Muslim control. These wars were motivated by religious fervor and the potential for both personal and political gain.

The Silk Road was a trade route that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. Some of the most valuable items traded were silk, spices, precious metals, gems, and fine ceramics. Their luxury status was largely due to high demand and difficulty in obtaining these goods.

Faith in one God, emphasis on the covenant between God and humanity, and observance of the Sabbath as a holy day.

Belief in one God (Allah), with the Quran as the holy book, and emphasis on Muhammad as the final prophet.

Known for its Golden Age of Islam, marked by significant cultural and scientific achievements, and economic prosperity.

A West African civilization's success is often attributed to its advantageous location, access to resources, developed agriculture, complex social organization, and expansive trade networks.

The Silk Roads traded luxury goods and cultural ideas, while the Indian Trade Complex focused on bulk commodities through maritime trade routes and established coastal communities.

Culture is transmitted along trade routes through the exchange of ideas and religious beliefs. This can involve the spread of religions like Islam, Buddhism, and others.

The Ottoman Empire (Southeast Europe, Western Asia, North Africa), Safavid Iran, and Mughal India (Indian subcontinent).

The Gunpowder Empires generally allowed a degree of religious tolerance for non-Muslims. However, some rulers, like Akbar, promoted a syncretic culture, while others, like the Safavids, enforced stricter conversions to Shia Islam.

The Devshirme system involved the Ottoman Empire recruiting Christian boys, converting them to Islam, and training them for military service.

Based on the idea that a ruler's legitimacy comes from the approval of a divine force, giving them the right to rule.

A system where a ruler's authority is based on their ability to maintain order and prosperity in the country, gaining approval from their people.

The cyclical rise and fall of dynasties in Chinese history, where dynasties are seen as losing the 'Mandate of Heaven' when they become weak or corrupt, leading to their downfall.

Confucianism promoted social harmony by emphasizing respect for authority, filial piety (respect for parents and elders), and good governance.

Taoism emphasizes achieving harmony with the natural order of the universe (the 'Tao'). This involves living in harmony with nature and avoiding excessive ambition or intervention.