A summary of the main themes from the Eras we've studied
The Middle Ages/Medieval Period - Europe is fragmented into feudal holdings, there is little trade, and most people are illiterate serfs in self-sufficient villages on a lord's manor (Manorialism). The Roman Catholic Church is a unifying and controlling influence. In 1348, all of a sudden more than 1/3 of the population died of plague. In the rebound from that, trading towns started growing with more 'freemen'. Time period is about 500 to 1400.
The Reformation - The developments across Europe in the 1500s and beyond resulting in both the creation of many denominations of Protestantism and significant reforms within the Catholic church. Time overlaps some with Renaissance.
The Renaissance - (Literally "rebirth"); term applied to the period beginning around 1400 when the ancient value of Humanism, belief in the potential of the individual, started showing in art, scholarship, and literature. It is especially associated with the great artists of Italy (funded by patrons who were wealthy cloth and mineral merchants). Time overlaps some with Reformation.
The Scientific Revolution and Age of Exploration - In the sciences, shifting to use of the scientific method (instead of accepting what ancient philosophers and the RC Church said). Exploration, movitivated by hopes to make money through trade, brings Europe into contact with the Americas, resulting in the Columbian Exchange. Both of these developments altered Europeans' perceptions of themselves: there's a whole big world/universe out there, and we're not at the center of it, but we're sure going to find out about and control as much as we can!. Overlaps with Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Absolutism.
The Age of Absolutism - Time period after the RC Church had lost complete control and various nation-states were getting stronger (Spain, France, England, later Russia, Prussia, Austria). Kings claimed that their legitimacy came from "Divine Right" and ruled with no restrictions. It came at a different time in different countries, ranging from about 1550-1800. (Overlaps with late Scientific Revolution and The Enlightenment)
The Enlightenment - Time period when writers/intellectuals/philosophers began to call for democracy and guaranteed rights. It was a reaction against the unrestricted rule of Absolutists, a major advance in constitutionalism. The English Civil War and Glorious Revolution, the United States' Constitution and the French Revolution are all examples of the ideas of the Enlightenment being turned into actual change in government. Especially notable in the 1600s and 1700s.
Industrial Revolution - The introduction of machines powered by coal and steam to take over from work that had been done by hand; started around 1750 in the United Kingdom with its focus on textile production. The UK continued at the forefront of industrialization thanks to their human resources (farmers put out of work because of more efficient farming) and natural resources (coal and iron) as well as a stable constitutional government. Industrialization radiated out, esp. to Germany and the US, and is still doing so. The early years of industrialization are associated with soul-crushing working conditions, but those eventually improved.
The Twentieth Century - By 1900 most European countries were industrialized. Many had contitutionalism (a parliament, most men can vote), and after World War I western European borders were generally based on national self-determination. Although the stage was set for World War I by Nationalism, Imperialism, Mililtarism, and the Alliance System, the events that sparked actual fighting showed how quickly sabre-rattling can lead to war. New technologies made the war all the more horrific. Wilson's hopeful plan to avoid future wars was blocked by the winners demanding reparations from Germany; in many ways the Versailles Treaty set up the conditions for World War II.
The Reformation - The developments across Europe in the 1500s and beyond resulting in both the creation of many denominations of Protestantism and significant reforms within the Catholic church. Time overlaps some with Renaissance.
The Renaissance - (Literally "rebirth"); term applied to the period beginning around 1400 when the ancient value of Humanism, belief in the potential of the individual, started showing in art, scholarship, and literature. It is especially associated with the great artists of Italy (funded by patrons who were wealthy cloth and mineral merchants). Time overlaps some with Reformation.
The Scientific Revolution and Age of Exploration - In the sciences, shifting to use of the scientific method (instead of accepting what ancient philosophers and the RC Church said). Exploration, movitivated by hopes to make money through trade, brings Europe into contact with the Americas, resulting in the Columbian Exchange. Both of these developments altered Europeans' perceptions of themselves: there's a whole big world/universe out there, and we're not at the center of it, but we're sure going to find out about and control as much as we can!. Overlaps with Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Absolutism.
The Age of Absolutism - Time period after the RC Church had lost complete control and various nation-states were getting stronger (Spain, France, England, later Russia, Prussia, Austria). Kings claimed that their legitimacy came from "Divine Right" and ruled with no restrictions. It came at a different time in different countries, ranging from about 1550-1800. (Overlaps with late Scientific Revolution and The Enlightenment)
The Enlightenment - Time period when writers/intellectuals/philosophers began to call for democracy and guaranteed rights. It was a reaction against the unrestricted rule of Absolutists, a major advance in constitutionalism. The English Civil War and Glorious Revolution, the United States' Constitution and the French Revolution are all examples of the ideas of the Enlightenment being turned into actual change in government. Especially notable in the 1600s and 1700s.
Industrial Revolution - The introduction of machines powered by coal and steam to take over from work that had been done by hand; started around 1750 in the United Kingdom with its focus on textile production. The UK continued at the forefront of industrialization thanks to their human resources (farmers put out of work because of more efficient farming) and natural resources (coal and iron) as well as a stable constitutional government. Industrialization radiated out, esp. to Germany and the US, and is still doing so. The early years of industrialization are associated with soul-crushing working conditions, but those eventually improved.
The Twentieth Century - By 1900 most European countries were industrialized. Many had contitutionalism (a parliament, most men can vote), and after World War I western European borders were generally based on national self-determination. Although the stage was set for World War I by Nationalism, Imperialism, Mililtarism, and the Alliance System, the events that sparked actual fighting showed how quickly sabre-rattling can lead to war. New technologies made the war all the more horrific. Wilson's hopeful plan to avoid future wars was blocked by the winners demanding reparations from Germany; in many ways the Versailles Treaty set up the conditions for World War II.