Historical Evolution and Discoveries of the Modern Age

The Modern Age: A Historical Transformation

Defining the Modern Era (15th to 18th Century)

The Modern Age is the historical period spanning from the 15th to the 18th century. Key milestones marking its boundaries include the Discovery of America (1492) and the French Revolution (1789).

This era is traditionally divided into three distinct periods:

• The 16th Century: The Renaissance period.
• The 17th Century: The Baroque period.
• The 18th Century: The Enlightenment and Absolutism.

Major Changes in the 15th and 16th Centuries

The International Panorama

• The disappearance of the Byzantine Empire: Marked by the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.
• Geographical discoveries: Expeditions by the Portuguese and Castilians in Africa, America, and Asia extended the frontiers of the world known to Europeans. Spain and Portugal established extensive colonial empires whose wealth stimulated world trade.
• European hegemony: The struggle for dominance confronted major states against one another; during the 16th century, the Spanish state imposed its dominance.

Political and Social Shifts

The feudal system entered a period of crisis. Feudal kingdoms were substituted by the Modern State and authoritarian monarchies.

Religious and Cultural Revolutions

• Collapse of religious unity: The Protestant Reformation gave rise to a number of serious armed conflicts known as the "Wars of Religion."
• A new worldview: Medieval culture was replaced by Humanism, which focused on the human being, giving rise to a new artistic style: the Renaissance.

The Age of Discoveries: Causes and Motivations

Political and Economic Drivers

Political Causes

Christian kingdoms continued their expansion by taking control of new territories. For the monarchs who were establishing their authority, the conquest of territories was an opportunity to acquire gold and silver to finance their rule as well as gain personal glory. It was a way to demonstrate their power over medieval institutions.

Economic Consequences

The fall of Constantinople to the Turks (1453) had closed the traditional European trade route that brought supplies of spices from Asia. Therefore, to bring them to Europe, it was necessary to use a new route. There was also significant interest in finding a new sea route to India and China in order to bring back luxury products such as silk and precious stones.

Scientific and Technical Advancements

Scientific Causes

Contemporary books argued that the Earth was round and much smaller than it really is (such as Ptolemy's Geographia and Pierre d'Ailly's Imago Mundi). Curious sailors considered it possible to reach India or China by sailing westwards.

Technical Causes

The era saw the implementation of the compass and astrolabe, the development of cartography, and the creation of new types of ships.

Religious and Ideological Factors

Religious Causes

The peninsular kingdoms maintained their desire to fight against the infidel, seeking the legendary Christian kingdom of Prester John. There was also considerable interest in spreading Christianity to new lands.

Ideological Causes

Humanists and scholars were interested in checking the veracity of ancient texts and the accuracy of mathematical and astronomical methods.