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Jan 1, 1300
Renaissance Begins
"Rebirth" of classic (Greek & Roman) cultures begins in Italian city-states such as Florence and Milan -
Period: Jan 1, 1300 to
Location: Europe
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Jan 1, 1434
Medici family seizes control of Florence, Italy
Italian city-states were controlled by a small group of wealthy merchants, such as the Medici, who controlled Florence. -
Jan 1, 1440
Gutenberg improves the printing press
Johann Gutenberg invents a way to print books quickly and cheaply. Five hundred books could now be made in the time it had taken to make only one. -
Jan 1, 1450
Northern Renaissance Begins
Renaissance ideas break out of Italy and spread to England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. -
Oct 13, 1517
Martin Luther's actions spark the Reformation of the Christian Church
He posted a list of complaints, the "95 Theses," on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. They listed the abuses of the Church upon the people. -
Jan 1, 1534
King Henry VIII of England splits with the Church
Henry no longer recognizes the Pope's authority, creates the Church of England. Parliament names him head of the church. -
Jan 1, 1541
John Calvin creates a theocracy in Switzerland
Calvin and his followers create the first Christian-Protestant government. -
Jan 1, 1563
Catholic Reformation Begins
In effort to keep people from turning away from the Catholic Church, its leaders make some big changes.
