Social and economic change
The Renaissance (1400-1600): Social and Economic Change
- Urbanisation: Rapid growth of cities like London, Venice, and Florence leading to overcrowded living conditions and new ways of doing business.
- Wealth and Inequality: Emergence of the middle class composed of merchants and professionals contrasting starkly with impoverished peasants and laborers.
- Art Patronage: Increasing economic power of secular rulers and merchants led to increased patronage of the arts, promoting cultural flowering known as the Renaissance.
- Physical materialism: The rising importance of material goods, such as clothing or jewellery, that acted as an indicator of wealth and social standing.
- Commercial Revolution: Development of banking and trade, leading to the emergence of capitalism.
The Reformation and Counter-Reformation (1500-1650): Social and Economic Change
- Religious Change: Rise of Protestantism led by Martin Luther, John Calvin and later Henry VIII causing widespread societal impact.
- Printing Press: Introduction of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg broadened access to written material, promoting literacy and spread of ideas.
- Religious Wars: Religious changes led to devastating wars and conflicts like the Thirty Years War, affecting economical and demographical dynamics.
- Church Papacy: Changes in Papacy leading to more control over Church lands and revenues, influencing the economic landscape.
The Age of Exploration (1400-1700): Social and Economic Change
- Economic Expansion: European exploration of the world led to economic expansion by boosting trade with Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Slavery and the Triangle Trade: The establishment of the Triangle Trade which used enslaved Africans to work in the American plantations.
- Colonisation: European colonisation of the Americas resulted in cultural and genetic interaction, impacting social structures.
- Disease and Population: Spread of diseases from Europe to the Americas led to depopulation of native American peoples dramatically affecting societal structures.
The Scientific Revolution (1550-1700): Social and Economic Change
- Rational Thinking: Advancement in scientific thought and rationalisation affected social order, religious beliefs and cultural practices.
- Technology and Economy: Technological advancements in areas like navigation, weaponry, and agriculture boosted economic growth.
- Scientific Community: Creation of scientific societies which acted as forums for discussion and exchange of ideas.
- Education and Literacy: Rise in education and literacy rates leading to more informed and questioning societies.