Modern History: From the Fall of Constantinople to 1789

Modern History: 1453–1789

Key Milestones: The fall of Constantinople (1453), the discovery of America (1492), and the French Revolution (1789).

Changing Mindsets

• Emergence of the modern state.
• Break with medieval thought.
• Birth of capitalism.
• Expansion of the known world.

Modern vs. Medieval State

Medieval: Absolute control of territory and state mechanisms. Modern: Limited power, weakening the medieval nobility.

Foundations of Modern Power

• Powerful army
• Corps of officials
• Real estate

Economic Recovery Factors

• Population growth
• Political stability
• Recovery of trade

The Importance of Trade

Maritime routes were restored and new ones opened. Artisan production in cities was revived, and the use of currency exchange spread.

Key Cities

Antwerp, Hamburg, Bruges, Naples, Genoa, and Venice benefited from intense craft production and strategic locations.

Effects of Currency

The use of currency encouraged trade and the emergence of capitalism (profit-seeking).

Humanist Movement

A social and cultural movement born in Italy in the 15th century, which spread throughout European countries.

Patronage

Financial sponsorship of artists and scientists, allowing them to develop their work without demanding immediate monetary compensation.

Humanism and Renaissance Values

Humanism served as the theoretical and ideological basis for Renaissance art. Features include the ideal beauty of classical art, the search for harmony, and the consideration of the individual as the center of the universe.

Factors for Expeditions

Technical, scientific, ideological, and socioeconomic factors.

Motivations for Exploration

The desire to reach India to control the spice trade. The Portuguese sought a route to obtain spices without relying on Italian intermediaries.

Martin Luther and the Reformation

In 1517, German friar Martin Luther published his 95 Theses to reform the Church. He rejected ecclesiastical hierarchies and the cult of the Virgin and Saints, advocating for a return to primitive Christianity.

Protestant Churches

• Anglican
• Calvinist
• Lutheran

Counter-Reformation

The Council of Trent (1545) confirmed the sanctity of the clergy, the cult of the Virgin and Saints, and created the Jesuits to spread Catholicism and prevent the spread of Protestantism.

Key Dates

• 1450: Range of the period
• 1498: Printing press development
• 1545: Council of Trent