Frühneuzeitlich

Frühneuzeitlich is a German adjective that translates to "early modern" in English. It is used to describe the period in European history that spans from the late 15th century to the late 18th century. This era is characterized by a number of significant developments that marked a transition from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Key events and trends associated with the Frühneuzeit include the Age of Discovery, the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment.

The early modern period witnessed profound changes in political, social, economic, and intellectual spheres. Monarchies consolidated power, leading to the rise of nation-states. Exploration and colonization expanded European influence across the globe, fostering new trade routes and economic systems. Religious upheaval, sparked by the Reformation, led to centuries of conflict but also to new ideas about individual faith and conscience. The Scientific Revolution challenged traditional understandings of the universe and the natural world, paving the way for modern science. Intellectual movements like the Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and human rights, influencing subsequent political and social reforms.

In historical scholarship, the term Frühneuzeitlich is crucial for distinguishing this transformative period from both the preceding medieval era and the subsequent modern period, which typically begins with the French Revolution. It encompasses a dynamic and complex era of change that laid the groundwork for much of the contemporary world.