Early modern Europe: an introduction

The early modern period from 1500 to 1780 is one of the most engaging periods for historical study. Beginning with the upheavals of the Reformation, and ending with the Enlightenment, this was a time of fundamental intellectual, social, religious and cultural change. At the same time, early modern Europe was rooted in and retained many of the customs of medieval times. In this free course, Early modern Europe: an introduction, you will explore some of the fundamental characteristics of this fascinating period of history.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Welcome to early modern Europe
• 1 Welcome to early modern Europe
• 2 When was the early modern period?
• 2 When was the early modern period?
• 3 What do we mean by Europe?
• 3 What do we mean by Europe?
• 4 What were the features of the early modern period?
• 4 What were the features of the early modern period?
• 5 Early modern Europe: historical approaches
• 5 Early modern Europe: historical approaches
• 6 Early modern Europe: themes
• 6 Early modern Europe: themes
• 6.1 Society and social order
• 6.2 Religion: Reformation and Counter-Reformation
• 6.3 Work and trade
• 6.4 Bodies, health and disease
• 6.5 Knowledge and ideas
• Conclusion
• Glossary
• References
• Further reading
• Acknowledgements