The Dawn of the Modern Age: Europe's Great Transformation

The Dawn of the Modern Age

Historians generally mark the end of the Middle Ages in the late fifteenth century. The conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 and the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 are widely considered the two major events that signify the beginning of the Modern Age. This new phase was characterized by European expansion across the continent and beyond, as nations sought wealth and new lands to establish themselves. Europe was no longer an isolated continent with limited external contacts; instead, it established extensive trade routes and colonies in almost every part of the world.

Within Europe itself, profound changes occurred. Political systems underwent significant transformations, economic conditions evolved, and the cultural scene flourished. Furthermore, a major religious breakdown led to the continent's division into two confronting camps. This entire set of changes collectively brought an end to the medieval world.

Defining Characteristics of the Modern Age

• The world known to Europeans expanded significantly with new geographical discoveries and the opening of new shipping lanes. Portugal and Castile (Spain) were the primary protagonists of these voyages and explorations, resulting in the formation of two great empires.
• The late fifteenth century witnessed a series of fundamental changes that marked the transition from the medieval to the modern era.
• This period was characterized by significant population growth and profound economic transformation.
• The bourgeoisie began to gain considerable power, and many peasants were no longer tied to the land as serfs.
• The power of kings and central governments was greatly strengthened at the expense of local authorities and the nobility, leading to the birth of authoritarian monarchies. The states ruled by the Catholic Monarchs in Spain serve as a prime example of such a powerful European authoritarian monarchy.
• The Renaissance brought about a very important cultural change, fostering the development of a new current of thought, Humanism, alongside remarkable scientific advancements.
• The Renaissance also fostered a new artistic style, leading to significant developments across all art forms, including painting, sculpture, and architecture.
• One of the most momentous events at the beginning of the Modern Age was the outbreak of the Protestant Reformation, which ultimately led to the breaking of religious unity in Western Europe.