The Early Modern Period, c. 1450 to c. 1750: Content Summary 4.7: Early Modern Western Society and Culture

In the late 15th century, prominent families from Italian states, some of which had been profiting from Mediterranean trade for centuries, began to amass significant wealth through banking ventures. (4.7.A)

A cultural phenomenon emerged as wealthy families, such as the Medicis of Florence, began to commission art and architecture that celebrated classical Greek and Roman culture. (4.7.A)

A cultural phenomenon emerged as wealthy families, such as the Medicis of Florence, began to commission art and architecture that celebrated classical Greek and Roman culture. (4.7.A)

As a whole, this Renaissance, or rebirth of ideas and art forms celebrating human potential, laid the foundation for empiricism and rationalism. (4.7.A)

As a whole, this Renaissance, or rebirth of ideas and art forms celebrating human potential, laid the foundation for empiricism and rationalism. (4.7.A)

Renaissance ideals diffused across northern Europe in the 16th century, influencing Christian humanism and the earliest leaders of the Reformation. (4.7.A)

Renaissance ideals diffused across northern Europe in the 16th century, influencing Christian humanism and the earliest leaders of the Reformation. (4.7.A)

As the Age of Discovery uncovered entire continents previously unknown to Europeans, many humanists began to reexamine the scientific consensuses in astronomy, physics, biology, and medicine. (4.7.A)

The discoveries made by 16th- and 17th century scientists challenged conclusions endorsed by classical thinkers and Church leaders. (4.7.A)

While the Catholic Church initially condemned this Scientific Revolution, even prosecuting Galileo, it later supported scientists such as Isaac Newton. (4.7.A)

While the Catholic Church initially condemned this Scientific Revolution, even prosecuting Galileo, it later supported scientists such as Isaac Newton. (4.7.A)

As they centralized their powers, western European monarchs favored freeing serfs in order to tax them as free laborers. (4.7.B)

Instead, these nobles allowed peasants to farm portions of their estates in exchange for rent. (4.7.B)

While the rise of powerful monarchies diminished the political influence of traditional elites, the nobility retained control of powerful institutions that defended traditional privileges. (4.7.B)

Despite the political power amassed by French kings, such as Louis XIV, French nobles repeatedly blocked efforts to make them pay taxes through the Estates General and parliaments (appeals courts). (4.7.B)

Despite the political power amassed by French kings, such as Louis XIV, French nobles repeatedly blocked efforts to make them pay taxes through the Estates General and parliaments (appeals courts). (4.7.B)

The 1688 English Bill of Rights further codified limits to royal authority and the superior role of Parliament. (4.7.B)

Demand for financial services increased as maritime empires sought capital for standing armies, ships, and colonial ventures. (4.7.C)

As a result, banks and banking families grew in scale, quantity, and sophistication. (4.7.C)

The emergence of Atlantic trade boosted the wealth of merchants. (4.7.C)

The development of joint stock companies and other financial tools allowed investors to profit from mercantile ventures. (4.7.C)

These economic developments increased the size and prominence of this bourgeoisie—a middle social class between elites and peasants. (4.7.C)

These economic developments increased the size and prominence of this bourgeoisie—a middle social class between elites and peasants. (4.7.C)

Spanish and Portuguese colonists of African or Amerindian descent were explicitly classified as lower social classes of minimal opportunities for social advancement. (4.7.C)

Spanish and Portuguese colonists of African or Amerindian descent were explicitly classified as lower social classes of minimal opportunities for social advancement. (4.7.C)