Chapter 11: The Transformation of the West

• The Renaissance challenged medieval intellectual values, leading to new branches of Christianity from religious dissent. The monarchy began focusing on trade and art, though power still confined by feudal landlords. The Renaissance and Reformation worked in hand to shift the power and focus of netizens, but Reformation focused more on spirituality rather than secular ideas.
• Massive inflation led to protest against poverty and loss of property, a new social tension formed because supply could not catch up to demand. Witches became a new fear and created tension about family life, the role of women questioned. Proletariats, or people without access to wealth had to find work, which led to many begging and wandering the streets.
• The most innovative features of Western science is improvements in anatomical work, astronomy, and all knowledge being more accessible to the public. There were more doctors and insurance, and the microscope allowed for more innovation. Isaac Newton, Copernicus, and Kepler observed the planets; science began to take on a more important role in the West.
• Political changes mostly pushed Western society to catch up to effective governments in Asia. Their new bureaucracies were similar to China, and losing their feudalism. There was civil war such as the Glorious Revolution that paralleled ones in China.
• Feudalism declined a parliaments and absolute monarchy became the main political governments. Individual goals caused competition promoting economic advances. Individualism in general led to feminism, own religious beliefs, and more.
• Who is Niccolò Machiavelli?


  An Italian diplomat and philosopher best known for his political treatise, "The Prince."
• What is the significance of Machiavelli's work?


  It laid the groundwork for modern political science, emphasizing realpolitik and the use of power.
• What is Humanism?


  An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized human potential and achievements.
• What is the significance of Humanism?


  It fostered a renewed interest in classical texts and contributed to advancements in art, science, and education.
• What is the Northern Renaissance?


  A cultural and artistic movement that took place in Northern Europe, parallel to the Italian Renaissance.
• What is the significance of the Northern Renaissance?

  It introduced new ideas and styles, particularly in art and literature, influencing the Reformation and European thought.
• Who was Francis I?


  King of France (1515-1547) known for his patronage of the arts and support of the Renaissance.
• What is the significance of Francis I's reign?


  His reign marked the flourishing of French culture and the strengthening of the monarchy.
• Who is Johannes Gutenberg?


  Inventor of the movable-type printing press, which revolutionized the production of books.
• What is the significance of Gutenberg's invention?

  It made literature more accessible, contributing to the spread of Renaissance ideas and the Reformation.
• What is the European-style family?

  A family structure that emphasizes nuclear families and a distinct division of labor between genders during the early modern period.
• What is the significance of the European-style family?

  It influenced social norms, inheritance practices, and economic structures in Europe.
• Who is Martin Luther?


  A German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation who challenged the Catholic Church's practices.
• What is the significance of Martin Luther's 95 Theses?

  It sparked religious reform and led to the establishment of Protestant denominations.
• What is Protestantism?


  A major branch of Christianity that originated with the Reformation, characterized by a rejection of papal authority and emphasis on the Bible.
• What is the significance of Protestantism?


  It led to significant religious, political, and cultural changes in Europe, fostering individual interpretation of scripture.
• What is the Anglican Church?


  The Church of England, established by King Henry VIII as a result of his conflict with the Pope over divorce.
• What is the significance of the Anglican Church's formation?


  It marked the English Reformation and contributed to the broader Protestant movement.
• Who is Jean Calvin?


  A French theologian whose teachings on predestination and reformed theology influenced the development of Calvinism.
• What is the significance of Calvin's teachings?


  His ideas significantly shaped Protestantism and established a foundation for modern Reformed churches.
• What is the Catholic Reformation?


  A period of Catholic resurgence initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation, including reforms in church practices and governance.
• What is the significance of the Catholic Reformation?


  It helped the Catholic Church address corruption and reaffirm its doctrines, leading to the establishment of new religious orders like the Jesuits.
• Who are the Jesuits?


  A religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola, dedicated to education, missionary work, and the defense of Catholic doctrine.
• What is the significance of the Jesuits?


  They played a key role in the Counter-Reformation and the spread of Catholicism globally through education and missions.
• What is the Edict of Nantes?


  A decree issued in 1598 granting religious freedom to Huguenots (French Protestants) in France.
• What is the significance of the Edict of Nantes?


  It marked a significant step towards religious tolerance and the end of religious wars in France.
• What was the Thirty Years' War?

  A series of conflicts in Europe (1618-1648) primarily fought over religious issues between Catholics and Protestants.
• What is the significance of the Thirty Years' War?

  It led to significant loss of life, altered the political landscape of Europe, and culminated in the Treaty of Westphalia.
• What is the Treaty of Westphalia?


  A series of peace treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648, establishing the principle of state sovereignty.
• What is the significance of the Treaty of Westphalia?


  It redefined the political map of Europe and set the groundwork for modern international relations.
• What was the English Civil War?


  A conflict from 1642 to 1651 between Parliamentarians ("Roundheads") and Royalists ("Cavaliers") in England.
• What is the significance of the English Civil War?


  It resulted in the trial and execution of King Charles I and established the short-lived Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.
• What is the Proletariat?


  The working class, particularly in industrialized societies, characterized by their lack of ownership of production.
• What is the significance of the Proletariat's rise?


  Their rise highlighted class struggles and led to movements advocating for workers' rights and social reforms.
• What is Witchcraft Persecution?


  A campaign against supposed witches in Europe during the late medieval and early modern periods.