Vocabulary for Northern Europe

Middle Ages Approximatly 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. in Europe; this is considered the time bewteen ancient and modern times.

Feudalism A system in which monarchs or lords gave land to nobles in return for pledges of loyalty.

Reformation A religious movement of the 1500’s that lessened the power of the Roman Catholic Church and introduced Protestantism to Europe.

Enlightenment A movement to value reason and logic and question tradition.

Industrial Revolution The introduction of machines to do the work of people that transformed manufacturing in Europe.

Industrial Capitalism An economic system in which owners used profits to expand their companies.

Communism A philosophy that called for economic equality and ownership of resources by workers.

The Cold War After World War II, the division of Europe led to this period, one in which there was a power struggle between the Soviet-controlled Communist world and the American-led Western world.

European Union A political and economic organization of European nations that provides goods, services, and workers to move freely among member countries.

Romanticism In the late 1700’s, this movement – one that focused on emotions, stirring historical events, and the struggle of individuals – influenced Europe.