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New Age
The New Age is one of the important periods in human history throughout history and generally spans from the late 15th century to the late 18th century. During this period, great cultural, scientific and political changes took place in Europe under the influence of the Renaissance, new continents were discovered through discoveries, Reformation movements shook the church authority and the foundations of the modern world were laid.
Renaissance and Cultural Revival:
At the beginning of the New Age, the Renaissance (between the mid-14th and mid-17th centuries) represented a cultural revival. During this period, interest in Ancient Greek and Roman culture increased, and great advances were made in the fields of science and art. Renaissance thinkers strived to expand human potential and knowledge.
Discoveries and Discovery of the New World:
The New Age marks an important period when European sailors discovered new sea routes and reached the New World. Events such as Christopher Columbus's discovery of the American continent in 1492, followed by Vasco da Gama's arrival in India, paved the way for global trade and interaction. These discoveries expanded Europe's geographical and cultural boundaries.
We recommend you to read our article on Geographical Discoveries.
Reformation and Church Reforms:
The New Age includes a period in which the Reformation movements began in the Catholic Church. By hanging his 95 theses on the door of the cathedral in Wittenberg in 1517, Martin Luther opposed the practices of the Catholic Church and started the Protestant Reformation. This movement led to sectarian divisions in Christianity and the weakening of church authority.
Scientific Revolution and the Age of Reason:
The New Age also includes revolutionary developments in the fields of science and reason. Scientific discoveries such as Copernicus' heliocentric model, Galileo's astronomical observations through a telescope, Kepler's studies on planetary motion, and Newton's law of universal gravitation led to the spread of scientific thought and methods, unlike the Middle Ages.
Absolutism and the Birth of the Modern State:
The New Age includes a period in which monarchies began to strengthen. The absolutist form of government increased the central authority of monarchies. French King XIV. Louis XIV and Russian Tsar Peter I are among the powerful monarchs of this period. This process laid the foundation of the modern state and led to significant changes in political arrangements.
Enlightenment and Intellectual Transformation:
The New Age includes an intellectual period called the Age of Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers advocated for people's freedom, equality, and a science-based society. Thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire and Rousseau are among the pioneers of the intellectual transformation in this period.
Industrial Revolution and Modern Era:
Towards the end of the Modern Age, the beginning of the Industrial Revolution laid the foundations of the modern world. Mechanization, industrialization and technological developments accelerated the transition from agricultural society to industrial society. This period witnessed significant changes such as urbanization, increased trade and the acceleration of globalization.
Conclusion and Evaluation:
The New Age is an important cultural, scientific and political phase in which great transformations took place in human history. Events such as Discoveries, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution contributed to the formation of the modern world and radically changed the structure of societies. The New Age is an era that shapes revolutionary changes in the history of humanity by acting as a bridge from the past to the present.
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Don't forget to read our Geographical Discoveries Article.