16th century
Definition
The 16th century refers to the time period between January 1, 1500, and December 31, 1599. It is often associated with significant historical events such as the Renaissance, exploration voyages like Columbus' arrival in America, religious conflicts like the Protestant Reformation, and cultural changes across Europe.
Analogy
Think about how much technology has advanced since smartphones were first introduced around fifteen years ago. Similar advancements occurred during the 16th century but with different aspects of society, such as art, science, and religion.
Related terms
Protestant Reformation: The Protestant Reformation was a religious movement in the 16th century led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin. It challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant denominations.
Renaissance: The Renaissance was a period of cultural rebirth that began in Italy during the 14th century but reached its peak in the 16th century. It saw significant advancements in arts, literature, philosophy, and sciences.
Age of Exploration: The Age of Exploration refers to a historical period when European explorers ventured into unknown territories across oceans. This era brought about new trade routes, colonization efforts, and encounters with indigenous civilizations.
"16th century" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Practice Questions (11)
What was the impact of the Renaissance on 16th century society and culture?
What is the major religious movement initiated by Martin Luther in the 16th century known as?
Who was the author of "The Prince", a political treatise that spoke on pragmatic statecraft during the 16th century?
Who spearheaded the Catholic Reformation during the 16th century?
What economic system was developing in Western Europe during the 16th century?
Which key difference separated Martin Luther's religious reforms from those championed by John Calvin in the 16th century?
How did the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century influence the political power of European monarchs?
Which of the following was a direct impact of the Protestant Reformation on international relations in the 16th century?
What was the main cause of the shift in balance of power from Spain to England during the 16th century?
What conflict led to the significant strengthening of monarchical powers in France during the 16th century?
Which cultural trend was characterized by an interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought during the 16th century?
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.