European Political Change Essay

The 15th century was beginning of Renaissance giving rise to many changes in the political and economic scene of Europe. Mattero Palmeiri wrote in 1430s, â€Å"now indeed may every thoughtful spirit thank god that it has been permitted to him to be born in a new age†. The Renaissance was inspired by study of Greek and Latin text and the admiration of Roman and Greek era. The classical examples of this age can be seen in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. On political scene ambition was the driving force of the age; which can be clearly observed in Machiavelli’s political writing The Prince. The influence of Protestants was growing due to the corruption of Church giving rise to many powerful kings and princes in Europe. Some of the famous political figures of the time include King Henry VIII. One of the important developments in the early 17th century was the pan-European sentiment. Emeric Cruce in 1623 proposed the idea of European council to end wars and create lasting peace. All European countries except Ottoman and Russian Empire did not agree to it. Both of them were considered outsiders in Europe; however the idea of unity remained shattered for many centuries to come. The next centuries (15th to 17th) saw many wars among European powers coupled with extensive conquest of colonies in Asia and Africa. Portugal led the way for colonial expansion followed by Spain and France to have colonies in Africa and Asia. The Britain took control of whole of Australia, New Zealand, India and parts of Africa and North America; while China was lost. Europe during this time was going through internal crisis and conflicts. Germany in the early 16th century was divided into small kingdoms and states under the framework of the Holy Roman Empire. Thus we can say at this time the whole of Europe was divided into small states and kingdoms. By late 18th century France was in disarray due to the lavish expenditure of the Royal House. The situation was worsened when people of Paris revolted and in the late 18 century (1792) monarchy was abolished in France. Reference: V. H. H. Green; Edward Arnold, Renaissance and Reformation: A Survey of European History between 1450 and 1660. London: 1952. â€Å"Lectures on Early Modern European History.† The History Guide. 11 Dec 2006 . Oscar Halecki, â€Å"A History of East Central Europe.† 11 Dec 2006 .