Western European Culture Change Over Time

(Document C) The religious dissagreements of the Roman and Christian church lead to the determining of the leader of the Orthodox

The Russian Orthodox Church has a very dark unspoken past. The Russian Orthodox Church changed many policies over the years leading to many casualties. The Russian Church to many people was a sign of fear and change they were uncomfortable with.

During the period of 1492 to 1750, Europe experienced drastic changes during their Age of Discovery. As a result of contact and colonization, Western Europe’s economy, political, social, and military systems changed, but also maintained certain aspects that enabled them to build strong civilizations. Such changes include increased (international) trade routes, more centralized governments such as monarchies, decreased unifying influence of the Catholic Church, and increased interest in military conquest and expansion.

The development of Europe and Western Culture are highlighted by five key dates. The main four key dates and there are as follows:

In Europe, cultural movement throughout 1450-1750 brought many developments and shifts that were long lasting. Throughout this time period, many thoughts and ideas were questioned (including the church’s beliefs), and it ultimately led to radical changes that overall increased Europe’s foundation about the earth, religion, and science.

Europeans had many goals throughout the 1500s and 1600s. To achieve their goals, they deferred to the non-European culture. However, the question remains how did the Europeans accommodate themselves to Non-European culture? The European traders and missionaries would accommodate themselves by integrating into the Non-European culture, by adapting their physical appearance, by referring to the traditional practices, and through the response of the nations wants to European goods.

Eastern Europe had begun its transition from the Eastern Roman Empire into the Byzantine empire with the penetration of Christianity into all aspects of life. Both the

The religious values and beliefs of Europe shifted after the Reformation because of Martin Luther and the Peace and Augsburg, as well as so many regions being catholic majority.

Tommy Herod AP World History Mr. Thurman 3 November 2014 Continuities and Changes in Western Europe In Western Europe from 600-1200 there were several continuities such as the continuation of the Roman Catholic Church. The pope had jurisdiction over the clergy and all church property. Another continuity was that Western Europe was divided into small kingdoms and never returned to its original state.

Vladimir chose Greek Orthodox to become the religion of Russia, creating a stronger cultural bond to the Byzantine Empire. His successor, Yaroslav the Wise, unsuccessfully tried to break away from the Byzantine influence. After his death Russia split into three cultural groups: the Great Russians, the White Russians, and the little Russians. The Mongols then invaded Russia throwing away all of their customs making Russian cities dependent and Islam becoming the main religion.

Peter the Great ruled over Russia from 1682 to 1725. Known as a key force in the reformation of the Russian economy, and the country as a whole, Peter wished to bring his country into a new era. Up until his reign, Russia had been trapped in a medieval like state, cut off from its European neighbors; the Renaissance that revolutionized the rest of Europe had very little to no effect on the Russian government or its citizens. Peter realized that Russia could never be the world power that he wished it to be until they were on the same level as the rest of Europe. Seeing the dilemma, Peter left Russia for a period of time to travel Europe, work among the people of different nations, and study the cultures and governments of Russia’s neighbors.

he Russian Orthodox Church when through many troubles during the Soviet Union Era. When the Tsarist government was overthrown and Bolsheviks took over, the Russian Orthodox Church was without official state backing for the first time in its history. The new Communist government issued a decree that declared freedom of religious and anti-religious propaganda which banned church programs from television and led to a decline in church power and influence.

In Russia religion's influence was much different. There wasn't much influence at all in the period of 1815 to 1919. Czar Alexander proposed the Holy Alliance under which monarchs would pledge themselves to rule according to Christian teachings; here alot of them didn't have any sincerity, especially Alexander. Religion also intensified things as in France, Russia decided to intervene when the Greeks revolted against the Turks, claiming the need to protect fellow Christians from the Muslims. Russia has been Communist for a very long time already, and as such they are atheistic and they also persecuted organized religion as a rival for the people's loyalty. But since the collapse of Communist for reasons other than religion, it has allowed churches to practice freely, like the Russian Orthodox, have shown a surprising amount of popular support.

Western European people had endured a series of changes during the late medieval period. Changes can be categorized into two aspects: politically and socially. On politics, Popes were not as strong as they were due to conflicts between the state and the church. Socially, people began to live a religion- dominated life, and experienced active sexism towards women. These changes, either positive or negative, have become an undivided part of European History.

The reformation was a key factor in the transition of medical to modern Europe. During the end of the Middle Ages, the Church became corrupt and started focusing on money instead of power. Therefore, many reformers emerged onto the scene to help stop these corrupt methods. Martin Luther was the first to go against the church, and he was followed by many other reformers soon after. Luther, along with other reformers, marked a change in the way religion was in Europe. They formed their own ways of religion against the church, and formed a modern way of religion in Europe. Before, there was one main religion, and if you were not Catholic you were not accepted. Yet after the Reformation, more religions emerged in Europe. Although they were not all accepted everywhere, the people were able to practice their religion without being persecuted. Through the Reformation and the acceptance of other religions, Europe shifted from medieval to modern.