Early Modern Europe – 1450 to 1750

Unit 1 – Renaissance and Age of Discovery

Unit 2 – New Monarchies and Nation-States

Unit 3 – Protestant and Catholic Reformations

Unit 4 – Religious Wars and the Thirty Years' War

Unit 5 – Commercial Revolution & Rise of Capitalism

Unit 6 – European Expansion & Columbian Exchange

Unit 7 – Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism

Unit 8 – The Scientific Revolution

Unit 9 – The Enlightenment

Unit 10 – Social & Economic Changes in Early Europe

Unit 11 – Baroque Art: Cultural Fusion in Europe

Unit 12 – Balance of Power in Early Modern Europe

## What do you learn in Early Modern Europe,1450-1750

You'll explore the major transformations in European society from 1450 to 1750. Topics include the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, Scientific Revolution, and Enlightenment. You'll analyze how these movements shaped politics, religion, culture, and economics, setting the stage for modern Europe.

## Is Early Modern Europe,1450-1750 hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to reading primary sources or analyzing historical events. There's a lot of information to absorb, and you'll need to connect the dots between different movements and time periods. But if you're into European history, it's totally manageable and can be super interesting.

## Tips for taking Early Modern Europe,1450-1750 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create timelines to keep track of major events and figures
3. Read primary sources carefully - they're key to understanding the period
4. Watch "The Tudors" or "Elizabeth" for a visual grasp of Renaissance politics
5. Check out "The Return of Martin Guerre" for insights into 16th-century social life
6. Read "The Prince" by Machiavelli to understand Renaissance political thought
7. Form study groups to discuss and debate different interpretations of events

## Common pre-requisites for Early Modern Europe,1450-1750

1. Western Civilization I: This course covers European history from ancient times to the Middle Ages. It provides essential background for understanding the early modern period.

2. Introduction to Historical Methods: This class teaches you how to analyze primary sources and write historical arguments. It's super helpful for tackling the readings in Early Modern Europe.

## Classes similar to Early Modern Europe,1450-1750

1. Renaissance and Reformation: Focuses specifically on cultural and religious changes in Europe from 1300-1600. You'll dive deep into art, literature, and theological debates.

2. Age of Absolutism: Examines the rise of absolute monarchies in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Lots of Louis XIV and Peter the Great in this one.

3. The Enlightenment: Explores the intellectual and philosophical movements of 18th-century Europe. You'll read Voltaire, Rousseau, and other big thinkers.

4. European Expansion and Colonialism: Looks at how European powers explored and colonized other parts of the world. Covers the impact on both Europe and colonized regions.

## Majors related to Early Modern Europe,1450-1750

1. History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events, societies, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and research skills while exploring various historical periods and themes.

2. Art History: Examines the development of visual arts throughout history. Students analyze artistic styles, techniques, and cultural contexts of artworks from different periods.

3. Religious Studies: Investigates various religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. Students explore the historical development and cultural impact of different faiths.

4. European Studies: Concentrates on the culture, politics, and history of Europe. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of European societies from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

## What can you do with a degree in Early Modern Europe,1450-1750?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of historical artifacts or artworks. Curators research, plan exhibitions, and educate the public about historical periods or artistic movements.

2. Historical Consultant: Provides expert advice on historical accuracy for films, TV shows, or video games. They ensure that period details, from costumes to dialogue, are as authentic as possible.

3. Archivist: Preserves and organizes historical documents and records. Archivists make these materials accessible to researchers and the public, often working in libraries, museums, or government institutions.

4. Academic Researcher: Conducts in-depth studies on specific aspects of early modern European history. Researchers publish their findings in academic journals and books, contributing to our understanding of the period.

## Early Modern Europe,1450-1750 FAQs

1. How much reading is involved in this course? Expect to do a fair amount of reading, including primary sources and scholarly articles. It's crucial to keep up with the readings to fully participate in class discussions.

2. Are there any field trips or hands-on components? Some professors organize visits to museums or special collections to view Renaissance art or early modern manuscripts. These experiences can really bring the period to life.

3. How does this course relate to current events? Understanding early modern Europe can provide context for many contemporary issues, like the role of religion in politics or the origins of modern scientific thinking. You'll likely draw connections between past and present throughout the course.

History

1.1 Italian Renaissance: Art, Literature, and Humanism

1.2 Northern Renaissance and Its Characteristics

1.4 Impact of the Age of Discovery on Europe and the World

1.3 Technological Advancements and Maritime Exploration

2.1 Centralization of Power and Administrative Reforms

2.4 Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella

2.3 The Valois and Bourbon Dynasties in France

2.2 The Tudor Dynasty in England

3.1 Martin Luther and the Origins of Protestantism

3.2 Spread of Reformed Traditions: Calvinism and Anglicanism

3.3 The Catholic Counter-Reformation and the Council of Trent

3.4 Religious and Social Impact of the Reformations

4.3 The Peace of Westphalia and Its Consequences

4.1 French Wars of Religion and the Edict of Nantes

4.2 Causes and Phases of the Thirty Years' War

5.1 Development of Banking and Credit Systems

5.2 Rise of Joint-Stock Companies and Mercantilism

5.3 Changes in Agricultural and Industrial Production

5.4 Impact of Economic Changes on Social Structures

6.2 English, French, and Dutch Colonial Endeavors

6.3 The Columbian Exchange: Cultural and Biological Impacts

6.4 Indigenous Responses to European Colonization

6.1 Portuguese and Spanish Empires in the Americas and Asia

7.3 Prussia and Russia: The Rise of Eastern European Powers

7.4 The Dutch Republic: An Alternative Model

7.2 Constitutionalism in England: Civil War to Glorious Revolution

7.1 Theory and Practice of Absolutism: Louis XIV's France

8.1 Copernican Revolution and the New Cosmology

8.2 Scientific Method and Empiricism

8.3 Key Figures: Galileo, Newton, and the Royal Society

8.4 Impact of Scientific Thinking on Society and Religion

9.3 Religious Tolerance and Deism

9.4 Enlightened Absolutism and Reforms

9.1 Major Enlightenment Thinkers and Their Ideas

9.2 Political Theory: Social Contract and Separation of Powers

10.3 Education and Literacy

10.4 Early Industrialization and Proto-Industrialization

10.2 Family Structures and Gender Roles

10.1 Demographic Changes and Urbanization

11.4 Popular Culture and Folklore

11.3 Court Culture and Patronage

11.2 Music and Literature in the Baroque Era

11.1 Characteristics of Baroque Art and Architecture

12.1 Diplomacy and International Relations

12.2 War of the Spanish Succession and Its Aftermath

12.4 Eastern Europe: Ottoman Empire, Poland, and Sweden

12.3 The Rise of Great Britain as a Global Power

Browse all Early Modern Europe – 1450 to 1750 Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next