Renaissance
The great period of rebirth in art, literature, and learning in the 14th-16th centuries, which marked the transition into the modern periods of European history
Communes
They were sworn associations of free men seeking complete political and economic independence from local nobles.
Popolo
italian underclass; a new force that disenfranchised and heavily taxed the people bitterly for being excluded from holding power. They used armed force and violence to take over the government. (p.416-417)
Signori
despots who controlled much of Italy by 1300.
Oligarchies
rule of merchant aristocracies, controlled much of Italy by 1300
Republic
a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
Princely Courts
where despots or oligarchs lived, conducted business, and displayed their wealth and patronage of the arts
Individualism
the idea that each person should be free to be what they want to be, and develop their goals
Humanism
the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason
Secularism
a doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations
The Prince
Written by machiavelli, described that power is more important, "better to be feared than loved"
Gabelle
Tax on salt during pre-revolutionary France-included in the Estate's list of grievances.
Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges
Charles VII's formal declaration of the independence of the French Church from Rome
Royal council
National governing council of England under Henry VII, demonstrated the monarchy's distrust of nobility by excluding it.
Court of star chamber
Established by Henry VII, it enforced torture to be used to force nobles to confess for something.
Justices of the peace
English local officials in the shires appointed by the crown and given wide authority in local government.
hermandades
alliances of cities to oppose nobles-helped bring cities in line with royal authority
New Christians
term applied to Jews who accepted Christianity by force