Events That Changed the World Through the Sixteenth Century

by Frank W. Thackeray (Editor), John E. Findling (Editor)

Except for the twentieth century, the period from the late Middle Ages through the sixteenth century witnessed the most significant developments in the history of the world. From the expulsion of the Muslims from Spain, through the flowering of the Renaissance, the religious strife of the Reformation, and the attempts by great empires to conquer their own continent and expand into the New World, the enormous political, religious, and social change took place on every continent of the globe are examined. These events and their impact have been carefully described and analyzed in this useful student resource. The events covered are: the "Reconquista" in Spain, the Renaissance, the Hundred Years' War, the Ming Dynasty Comes to Power, the Age of European Expansion Begins, the Development of Movable Type, the Fall of Constantinople, the Conquest of the New World, the Protestant Reformation, and the Spanish Armada.

An introductory essay provides factual material about the event in a clear, concise, and chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. An interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field, explores the short-term and long-term ramifications of the event. Each chapter concludes with a helpful annotated bibliography of further reading. A glossary, timeline of events, and table of ruling houses and dynasties across the globe provide additional reference value. "Events That Changed the World Through the Sixteenth Century" is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading for social studies and world history courses.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2000

Reviews

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful for getting a snap sense of what was happening in Europe and cultures Europe dealt with in the 16th century. I wouldn't have minded a little more lip service being paid to cultures that *weren't* in contact with Europe at the time, but who were probably doing *something* that was changing the world in some way, although I recognize that most of documented history is in the Ancient World. Since each in-depth article is written by a different author, my enjoyment of the particular chapter depended on that person's writing skills as much as the subject itself. Hence a hit-or-miss experience. Still, a very ambitious undertaking, and I'll be reading the next two books in the series.