The beginnings of Modern age were the subject of great transformations in European society. As we have already studied in the previous articles, in the field of economics, the merchant capitalism. Its consequence in the social sphere was the rise of bourgeoisie and the emergence of new social classes with great momentum in urban life. And in politics, the power of the monarchies was consolidated, giving rise to the Modern States.
All this was enhanced by a deep mentality change in some sectors of the population, who from different points of view and angles, agreed on something. That was the questioning the Christian “dogma”that is, to the absolute truths of the Church. Between the different breaks in the medieval mentality we can mention:
· New ways of thinking: the philosophical movement of Humanism revalues the role of man, deals with “earthly life”, leaving aside “eternal life” (center of medieval thought). It expresses itself artistically through the Renaissance.
· Advances in science based on experimentation and observation, which conflict with Christian dogma. pursuit of the Church to many scientists.
· Protestant Reformation, questions the christian dogma and the institution of Church. Protestant thought spreads Europe generating political, social conflicts and wars. Christianity is divided into different churches (Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Calvinist).
· The Church responds to these new thoughts and questions through the Catholic “counter-reformation”, a series of measures that, on the one hand, seek to reinforce dogma and ecclesiastical organization, and on the other, persecute and repress those who think differently.
More information:
ALONSO, ELIZALDE and VAZQUEZ. History. Europe modern and colonial America. Buenos Aires, Aique, 1994.
Study Notebooks. Social Sciences 2. at http://www.encuentro.gov.ar/nota-1156-Area-de-Ciencias-Sociales-.html
Modern age on Wikipedia
Image:
Leonardo Da Vinci and his study of human forms, on Google