CHAPTER 1: THE MODERN AGE

INTRODUCTION… Profound change in Europe to political, social, economic, and intellectual life Resulted in beginning of the Early Modern Age People questioned previous ways of thinking: the earth, society, science…. This “Renaissance” [ re-birth] came slowly

Kings Gain Power Martin Luther led movement towards religious reformation that began in 1517 Before this all Europeans were Catholic: dissent led to new branches developing Opposition felt Catholic Church was too wealthy/ had grown away from its teachings. Resulted in a new perspective of Christianity:

Protestants… Martin Luther led many reformers away who then became known as Protestants. Believed Church should be based on word of God; that church should be free from wealth. Resulted in continued evolvement in religion and the disputed bled over to politics

Political Change… As the Catholic Church continued to come under attack and the Pope lost strength – Kings sought to increase their position as they moved away from the church’s control Kings claimed religious control over their kingdom: Chose religion Chose their administration – often bypassing the nobles for the more loyal middle class Paid professional armies

Political Change Cont’d… Taxed the people to pay for army People began to see themselves as subjects of the king not as serfs of a noble Status of kings elevated to be as protectors, law-makers ; rose above the common people Led to the theory of the Divine Rights of Kings

Result from Kings power… Church leaders lost source of wealth/ power Nobles lost power and influence with monarch Nobles/ knights no longer needed Feudal system broke down as money replaced services

A Prosperous Age… Economy began to thrive; population rose rapidly Towns grew as some people moved away from farming into other occupations Agricultural production increased Land ties dissolved – many began to own land or became tenant farmers

Growth of Trade and Empires Trade increased dramatically linking other parts of the world This resulted in the establishment of more permanent settlements which led to the creation of empires. As well the growth of trade fuelled the growth of the middle class through opportunity thus removing the old structure of lord and serf

New View of Humanity… Peoples interests moved away from religion and focussed on the world around them. This resulted in humanism: believing that humans were capable of anything Changes in art, literature: away from religious themes to ones about every day life: people sought education

New View cont’d…. Development of the printing press: huge impact Word spread to masses more quickly Books became more available including picture books for non readers Schools increased in numbers

A New View of the World… Previous beliefs [ heavens revolved around earth] challenged as huge advancements in science began Microscope, telescope, “scientific- method”, law of gravity – religion no longer explained life.