Renaissance/England and France Notecards

Henry II Under his rule, made many changes to government and society in England, including trial by jury and common law. These changes set the stage for England to create a more modern government and pushed them down the road towards democracy.

Common Law Unlike Roman law which expressed the will of the ruler, common law reflected customs and traditions established over time. This format will become the dominate form of lawmaking in most English speaking countries.

Magna Carta Signed by King John after the English nobles demanded more rights and respect. It established a contract limiting the Kings power and expanding the rights of nobles. It served as a guiding force for many other countries that moved towards democratic governments including the US.

Hundred Years War Long war fought between the two rivals England and France. Included many different battles and stages to gain land and power. Began over a dispute about who should inherit the French thrown. After the war, both countries step back and focus on making improvements at home.

Joan of Arc Inspirational French fighter who dressed as a man in order to fight for her country in the Hundred Years War. The English capture her and put her to death in the hope of deflating the French morale (hope), but instead her death inspires them to victory.

Renaissance Literally means “rebirth”. It refers to a time period when society and culture were improving in Europe. Takes place as a result of an expansion in trade, technology, and education.

Cultural Diffusion The spreading of culture to others due to people from different cultures meeting. This helped to start the Renaissance period because as people began to trade with one another they also gained new ideas from other cultures that they encountered.

Humanism Idea during the Renaissance that focused on the individual worth and achievement instead of on your heirarchial status. Civic Humanism focused on improving society and placing society above individuals. Christian Humanism focused on reforming the church to meet the personal and devotional needs of individuals.

Printing Press First one was developed by Johannes Gutenberg. First book he printed was the “Gutenberg Bible”. Had a profound impact on society because now people could spread ideas quickly, and expanded education so that people could learn to read and write.

Niccolo Machiavelli He was a realist (saw things as they are) who thought that ruthlessness and power. Wrote a book called “The Prince” where he says that leaders should be hated not loved and outlined his idea of a good leader.

Joan of Arc Female soldier in the 100 Years War who fought for France. She pretended to be a man in order to fight. The English captured her and burned her at the stake in hope of crushing the morale of the French, but she inspired the French to victory against England.

Michelangelo Renaissance artist who is known for painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He is noted for using exquisite color. In fact some of his colors are said to be “unmatchable”.

Leonardo Da Vinci Renaissance artist who is most famous for painting the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. He coined the term “Renaissance Man” because he had many skills and abilities. In addition to painted he was also a skilled architect, inventor, and scientist.