The Renaissance and Italian City-States

A period in European history from the 1300s to 1600s characterized by a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman ideas, knowledge, and learning.

A philosophy that emphasizes human potential, values, and achievements. Humanists believed in curiosity, self-discovery, and celebrating God's creations.

Renaissance artists embraced a realistic and three-dimensional representation of the human body, depicting beauty and individual characteristics.

Wealthy patrons like merchants, government officials, and church leaders commissioned and funded art during the Renaissance.

A state that consists of a single city, with its own laws and government, independent of larger states or countries.

During the Renaissance, scientists challenged established beliefs and used observation and experimentation to understand the world.

The Catholic Church was the most powerful institution in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

A systematic approach to understanding the world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

A city-state is a sovereign state that comprises a single city or town and its surrounding territory. It has its own government and is independent of other cities. Vatican City is an example of a modern city-state.

The Protestant Reformation was a major religious movement that began in the 16th century with Martin Luther. Luther challenged some practices of the Catholic Church, including the sale of indulgences (certificates promising forgiveness for sins). He stressed the importance of the Bible as the key source of religious authority, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations.

The 95 Theses were a list of propositions written by Martin Luther in 1517. In a document called the 95 Theses, he criticized the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church and emphasized the Bible's significance. This act triggered the Protestant Reformation.

The Diet of Worms was a meeting held in 1521 where Martin Luther was summoned to defend his beliefs against the Catholic Church. This event was a pivotal moment in the Protestant Reformation. Luther refused to recant his teachings, even facing excommunication and condemnation.

The Storming of the Bastille was a crucial event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a royal fortress and prison, seeking weapons and freeing prisoners. It symbolized the people's defiance of the monarchy and their fight for freedom.

German colonization took place from 1884 until the end of World War I. Germany established colonies in various parts of the world, including Africa, the Pacific Islands, and the Pacific Ocean. These territories were known as German East Africa, German Southwest Africa, German West Africa, German New Guinea, and others.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 after World War I, resulted in Germany losing all its colonies. Other countries then took control of these former German territories.

Access to water as a transportation route was essential for cities in the past and still is today. Water allows for ships to transport goods and people efficiently, fostering trade and communication.

Safe transportation routes were crucial to facilitate trade and protect goods in transit. Secure routes ensured the safe passage of goods and resources, contributing to economic growth.

Close and easy access to markets was essential for cities to trade and sell goods. Markets provided opportunities for merchants to exchange goods and distribute products, stimulating economic activity and growth.