Product Overview & Details

The Rise of Modern West – I

The Rise of Modern West – I is the study of the transformation of Western Europe from the late medieval period to the early modern period, roughly from the 15th to the 18th century. It explains how Europe moved away from medieval feudal institutions and developed the foundations of the modern state, capitalist economy, modern science, secular thought, and global trade.

1. Decline of Feudalism

During the late medieval period, the traditional feudal system began to weaken.

Major causes included:

• Growth of towns and markets
• Expansion of money-based trade
• Decline of serfdom in many parts of Western Europe
• Rise of merchants and bankers
• Growth of centralized monarchies
• Development of professional armies

As feudal relationships weakened, economic and political power increasingly shifted toward towns, merchants, monarchs, and centralized states.

2. Renaissance

The Renaissance, meaning "rebirth," began in Italy and spread to other parts of Europe.

It involved a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture and encouraged new approaches to art, literature, education, and philosophy.

Important characteristics were: