15001700lukujen

The period between 1500 and 1700, often referred to as the Early Modern period, was a time of significant transformation across Europe and beyond. This era witnessed profound changes in politics, religion, science, and exploration, laying the groundwork for the modern world.

Politically, nation-states began to solidify their power. Monarchies grew stronger, centralizing authority and often engaging in complex diplomatic maneuvers and warfare. The decline of feudalism and the rise of mercantilism shaped economic policies. Religious upheaval was a defining feature, most notably the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther in 1517. This schism led to decades of religious wars and reshaped the religious landscape of Europe, leading to both increased religious diversity and intolerance.

Scientific advancements began to challenge established Aristotelian and Ptolemaic views. The Scientific Revolution gained momentum with figures like Nicolaus Copernicus proposing a heliocentric model of the solar system and Galileo Galilei making groundbreaking astronomical observations. This period also saw advancements in mathematics and anatomy, fostering a more empirical approach to understanding the natural world.

Exploration and colonization expanded dramatically. European powers embarked on voyages of discovery, leading to the establishment of vast overseas empires and the Columbian Exchange, which involved the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World. This era of global interaction had far-reaching demographic, ecological, and cultural consequences. The period from 1500 to 1700 was a dynamic and often turbulent bridge between the medieval and modern eras.