Transformation of Western Europe Flashcards
(33 cards)
What was the deadly disease that killed almost 1/3 of Europe’s population during the Middle Ages?
The Bubonic Plague (Black Death)
What factor greatly contributed to the spread of the Black Death?
Increased interactions on trade routes such as the Silk Road (disease started in East Asia and spread to Europe)
What were the three major effects of the Black Death?
- Population of Europe greatly decreased from 85 to 60 million
- Feudalism declined as serfs fled from manors for better opportunities
- Trade temporarily decreased
What was the time period of the Black Death?
1347-1351 (1300s/14th century)
What was the time period of the Renaissance?
1400-1600
What term is used to describe the golden age of Western Europe?
The Renaissance
What was the Renaissance based upon?
Classical civilizations (Greece and Rome)
What type of thinking became prominent during the Renaissance?
Humanism - focus on humans and life on Earth instead of God and Heaven
Where did the Renaissance begin and why?
Italy because the Italien city-states like Venice and Florence had great economies. These areas controlled Mediterranean trade and grew very wealthy
What was much of the Renaissance wealth used to support? Give examples
Artists - famous artists of the Renaissance are Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael
Who was the author of the book called “The Prince”? What was the purpose of this book?
Niccolo Machiavelli - this book was a guide for government leaders that focused on the idea that rulers must have absolute power and do whatever is necessary to stay in power (“The ends justify the means”)
What was the Protestant Reformation and when did it occur?
1500s/16th century - the religious revolution that challenged the Catholic Church and led to the further division of Christianity
Why did the Protestant Reformation occur?
- Europeans were angry that the Catholic Church was too concerned with worldy issues (money and power)
- Europeans were angry about the sales of indulgences (the Catholic Church made people pay to be forgiven for their sins)
Who were three main leaders of the Protestant Reformation?
Martin Luther, Henry VIII, and John Calvin
What did Martin Luther create?
The 95 Theses - Arguments against the sales of indulgences
What was Henry VIII’s role in the Protestant Reformation?
He was the king of England who wanted a divorce from his wife, so he seperated from the Catholic Church because they would not allow for a divorce and made his own church of England
What did John Calvin believe in?
Predestination - the idea that God already knows who will be punished and who will be saved (sent to Heaven)
What were three effects of the Protestant Reformation?
- Power of the Catholic Church and the Pope decreased
- The power of monarchs (kings) increased since they gained power over religion
- Religions unity in Europe came to an end - before this time, almost everyone in Western Europe was Catholic, but now there were Protestants as well
Who invented the printing press?
Johannes Gutenberg
What were three effects of the printing press?
- It helped spread new ideas such as the Protestant Reformation quickly
- It increased literacy since books were now easier and cheaper to obtain
When were the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas?
300-1500s
What were the pre-Columbian civilizations?
Societies that devleoped in the Americas before the Europeans arrived
What were the three main pre-Columbian societies?
Maya, Aztec, and Inca
Where were the Maya located?
Lowland region of Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America)
