Renaissance And Exploration, 1450-1648

Humanism

The scholarly interest in the study of the classical texts, values, and styles of Greece and Rome. It contributed to the promotion of a liberal arts education based on the study of the classics, rhetoric, and history.

Christian Humanism

A branch of humanism associated with northern Europe. Like their Italian counterparts, these humanists closely studied classical texts, but they were committed to religious piety and institutional reform.

Vernacular

The everyday language of a region or country. Miguel de Cervantes, Geoffrey Chaucer, Dante, and Martin Luther all encouraged the development of their national languages by writing in these everyday languages.

New Monarchs

European monarchs who created professional armies and a more centralized administrative bureaucracy. The new monarchs also negotiated a new relationship with the Catholic Church. Key new monarchs include Charles VII, Louis XI, Henry VII, and Ferdinand and Isabella.

Secularism

Promoted by the Humanists and the Renaissance. Trend toward making religious faith and a private domain rather than one directly connected to the state power. Promoted a search for nonreligious explanations for political authority and natural phenomena.

Mercantilism

Economic philosophy calling for close government regulation of the economy, emphasizing building a strong, self-sufficient economy by maximizing exports and limiting imports. Those who prescribed to this philosophy supported the acquisition of colonies as sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods. This philosophy gave the new monarchies a leading role in promoting commercial development and the acquisition of New World colonies.

Commercial Revolution

Innovations in banking and finance that promoted the growth of urban financial centers and a money economy.

Joint-Stock Company

A business arrangement in which many investors raise money for a venture too large for any of them to undertake alone, sharing the profits in proportion to the amount they invest. English entrepreneurs used these arrangements to finance the establishment of New World colonies.