Key Events Shaping the Modern Age and Renaissance
Transition to the Modern Age
Three key events marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the modern age: the Discovery of America in 1492, the recovery of the Greco-Roman cultural legacy which gave way to the Renaissance revival, and the diffusion of new ideas through the printing press.
The Age of Geographical Discovery
The division of the continent into blocs occurred after the preaching of Martin Luther. Geographical discovery was led by Castile and Portugal. The Spaniards and Portuguese proved that the Earth is round; with this, the Spaniards traveled west to America. They chose this route to avoid the Turks and went with the intention of seeking precious metals and raw materials.
The Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of Tordesillas was the agreement reached in 1494 between Spain and Portugal to divide the discovered territories in the presence of Pope Alexander VI.
Causes of Geographical Discovery
- Search for raw materials: Luxury products and precious metals were sought for an economy expected to rise after the crisis of the late Middle Ages.
- Desire for profit and adventure: Reports from the readings of the Venetian traveler Marco Polo encouraged European sailors.
- Scientific and technical renewal: These advancements brought greater security to Atlantic shipping.
Consequences: These discoveries had profound economic, social, political, and cultural impacts.
Martin Luther and the Reformation
Who was Martin Luther? Regarding the reformation of religious forms, he was a German monk who published the 95 Theses, which discussed the value of indulgences and the need to do good deeds for the forgiveness of sins. In terms of religious forms, he taught that to save the soul, only faith in Christ is required; there is no need for the cult of the Virgin or the saints.
- Every Christian is a priest.
- The Bible is the only work permitted for any Christian believer.
The Renaissance Movement
The Renaissance was an intellectual movement that arose in Italy during the latter part of the 14th century, determined to re-evaluate classical antiquity in all its aspects: artistic, philosophical, and scientific.
The Estates System and Social Hierarchy
The Estates System (Sociedad Estamental) was the division of European society into three major closed groups with specific rights and duties, based on inequality. These different social groups were the nobility, the clergy, and the common people.
The Privileged: This was a closed social group that one belonged to by family heritage. They lived on their land, which provided rent and properties, and held public charges. They led a comfortable life dedicated to politics and the military.
Absolute vs. Parliamentary Monarchy
There are significant differences between an absolute monarchy and a parliamentary monarchy:
- In an absolute monarchy, the King concentrates all power in one person, power is centralized, and the King rules by divine right.
- In a parliamentary monarchy, there is a division of power and the superiority of law. The parliament is elected by universal suffrage.