Renaissance & Reformation
This cultural movement began in Italy and marked a "rebirth" of interest in ancient Greek and Roman art, learning, and culture.
What is the Renaissance?
A system of government where a king or queen holds total, unlimited power over their nation.
WHAT IS AN ABSOLUTE MONARCHY?
The three main motives for European exploration, commonly summarized by three words starting with 'G'.
WHAT ARE GOD, GOLD, AND GLORY?
This country established the first permanent English colony in North America at Jamestown in 1607.
WHAT IS ENGLAND (OR GREAT BRITAIN)?
Invisible European threat that wiped out up to 90% of Native American populations due to a lack of natural immunity.
WHAT ARE EUROPEAN DISEASES (E.G., SMALLPOX)?
German monk who wrote the 95 Theses in 1517, criticizing Catholic Church practices and sparking the Protestant Reformation.
Who was Martin Luther?
The belief that a monarch's power comes directly from God, making them answerable only to God.
WHAT IS DIVINE RIGHT?
The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres after 1492.
WHAT IS THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE?
Spanish conquerors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro who claimed vast territories in the Americas.
WHAT ARE CONQUISTADORS?
Mesoamerican empire in modern-day Mexico conquered by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and his allies.
WHAT IS THE AZTEC EMPIRE?
Certificates sold by the Catholic Church that promised forgiveness of sins and a quicker path to heaven, heavily criticized by Martin Luther.
WHAT ARE INDULGENCES?
A government system where the monarch's power is limited by laws and a legislative body such as Parliament.
WHAT IS A CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY?
Economic philosophy where nations sought wealth by increasing exports, acquiring gold/silver, and establishing colonies.
WHAT IS MERCANTILISM?
European country whose colonists primarily focused on the fur trade and maintained relatively peaceful alliances with Native Americans in modern day Canada
WHAT IS FRANCE?
Powerful South American empire in the Andes Mountains conquered by Francisco Pizarro.
WHAT IS THE INCA EMPIRE?
Revolutionary invention that allowed Luther's 95 Theses and translated Bibles to spread rapidly throughout Europe.
WHAT IS THE PRINTING PRESS?
Famous French absolute monarch known as the "Sun King," who built the Palace of Versailles.
WHO WAS KING LOUIS XIV?
The horrific leg of the Triangular Trade route in which millions of enslaved Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean.
WHAT IS THE MIDDLE PASSAGE?
1494 papal agreement that divided non-European lands between Spain and Portugal, giving Portugal control over Brazil.
WHAT IS THE TREATY OF TORDESILLAS?
Spanish labor system in the Americas that granted colonists the right to demand forced labor and tribute from Native Americans.
WHAT IS THE ENCOMIENDA SYSTEM?
The Catholic Church's effort to reform itself and respond to the Protestant movement, which included the Council of Trent.
WHAT IS THE COUNTER-REFORMATION (OR CATHOLIC REFORMATION)?
Landmark 1689 English document that formally limited royal power and guaranteed specific rights to Parliament and citizens.
WHAT IS THE ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS?
Private business entities where multiple investors pooled money to finance expensive colonial ventures with shared risk.
WHAT ARE JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES?
Dutch colonial settlement established on Manhattan Island that was later taken over by England and renamed New York.
WHAT IS NEW AMSTERDAM?
Spanish priest who spoke out against the brutal mistreatment of Native Americans under the encomienda system.
WHO WAS BARTOLOMÉ DE LAS CASAS?