Advanced flashcards connecting intellectual, social, and political history across periods, focusing on historiographical debates and complex causation.
20 cards
Front
Renaissance Humanism vs. Scholasticism
Back
Humanism (ad fontes) focused on classical texts, grammar, rhetoric, and civic duty, shifting education from abstract logic (Scholasticism) to active political engagement. It laid the groundwork for secular criticism of the Church and the Reformation's emphasis on individual Bible study.
Front
The Columbian Exchange's Economic Pivot
Back
The influx of silver (and potatoes) caused price inflation (Price Revolution) in the 16th century, hurting nobles on fixed incomes but enriching the merchant class. This shift facilitated the rise of capitalism and transferred economic power from the Mediterranean to Atlantic states like Spain and later England.
Front
The 95 Theses vs. Leo X's Priorities
Back
Luther's objections targeted indulgences (fundraising for St. Peter's) as corruption of salvation. Leo X needed funds to maintain the Papal States' political power and artistic patronage, illustrating the conflict between spiritual authority and temporal/political power that fueled the Reformation.
Front
Calvinism vs. Lutheranism: Social Implications
Back
While Lutheranism (conservative) affirmed obedience to secular princes, Calvinism (radical) asserted the church's independence and the right to resist 'ungodly' rulers. This made Calvinism the driving force behind republican revolts (e.g., Dutch Revolt) and resistance theories.
Front
The 'Military Revolution' (1500-1750)
Back
Improvements in firearms, fortifications (trace italienne), and drill drastically increased the cost and size of armies. This forced monarchs to expand state bureaucracy to collect taxes, inadvertently advancing state centralization and absolutism.
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