Five Major Revolutions That Changed the World From the 15th to 17th Century

The Italian Renaissance

Italian Renaissance was the opening phase of the greater time period we now know as the Renaissance, meaning rebirth or rediscovery. This was a period of great cultural change, exchange and achievement in Europe that spanned the period from the end of the 14th century (1300s) to about 17th Century (1600s). The rise of Humanism became a major theme during this time period – and major of these artists, thinkers and philosophers had a strong belief in God but saw a lesser intimidating role of God in daily lives, thus the term Humanism or the proper study of man. One of the greatest humanist literary work from the time period is called the “Oration on the dignity of Man” (1486) by a Renaissance philosopher named Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola. The time period also gave rise of some of the most famous men in the philosophical, scientific, arts, cultural and literary circles. Some famous quotes include:

• Descartes – “I think therefore I am”
• Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) – He invented the early form of Scientific Method
• Isaac Newton – Open voice for Empiricism (Sense experience) – “he believes in gravity because he experienced it.” He also had other numerous physics accomplishments.

And many other thinkers and famous individuals with key ideas we still use or study to this day. The revolution changed the world and shaped the western culture and thinking.

Protest Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation

The Protest Reformation started mainly with Martin Luther and led to the emergence of Europe from the shadow of the Catholic Church. After the Reformation, the Church was never the same again and never exerted as much control and influence as it did before the reformations. The Reformation was not an attempt to break away from the Church but an effort to correct the many mistakes Martin Luther (then a monk) saw in the Church. They were shocked to see many of the laypeople with no knowledge of the Bible, Selling of Indulgences, Selling of Church Positions (Simony), Idolatry and other forms of corruption and false doctrines that was found in the Church. Thus the statement with Power comes Corruption is proven true within Catholic Church. After Luther published his 95 Theses, the real reformation began and gave rise to more outspoken critics of the Catholic Church and sparked a theological debate in Europe. After church officials refused to address the issues and excommunicated certain reformers, the reformers made their own church. This was known as the Protestant Reformation or Protestant Revolt or Protestant Revolution and forced the church to rethink its teachings. It also split Europe along religious lines while intertwining religion and polices – as German prices became Protestant.