Introduction to the Early Modern World

I. Chronology

early modern vs. modern

II. Geography and Themes

A. an age of state formation

absolutist vs. constitutional monarchy

B. an age of religious conflict

confessional identities

French Wars of Religion (1562-1598)

Thirty Years War (1618-1648)

C. an age of exploration and empire-building

"the rise of the west"

early modern Atlantic empires

William Dampier (1651-1715)

D. an age of intensive state rivalries

Anglo-Spanish

Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon

Anglo-Dutch

Navigation Acts/mercantilism

Anglo-French