Hst 394 Europe 1618-1789

During the Early Modern period of European history, many of our familiar institutions and ideologies took shape.  The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment secularized and humanized our world views.  The Thirty Years’ war substituted political for religious strife.  Commercial capitalism and intercontinental commerce flourished, creating a world economy, European pre-eminence, and theories of political economy.  British political struggles resulted in the appearances of constitutional monarchy – inspiring many of the world’s modern governments.  American and French revolutions changed the way most people lived, and augmented burgeoning capitalism.  Naval exploits revolutionized warfare and diplomacy.  The list is long and the changes profound.