1. Political Changes
Europe

2. Nation-states Increasing centralization of gov’t and bureaucracies
New Monarchs –Goal = Centralize their Power! Used standing armies, centralized tax collection, reduced the power & independence of the nobility (making personal armies illegal, etc.)

3. Wars
100 Year’s War – sense of national identity for France and England
Reconquista – Aragon & Castille united under Ferdinand and Isabella; Moors kicked out in 1492.

4. New Monarchs Henry VIII (England) Charles V (Holy Roman Empire)
Ferdinand and Isabella (Spain)
Ivan III (Russia) – stopped paying Mongols tribute & used violence to control Boyars (nobles)