Western civilization began in Europe based on Greco-Roman civilization, emerging either in the 8th or 16th century AD after the Middle Ages. It is defined as having European descendants, western ideologies, developed states, Christianity, and views consistent with modern perceptions of the West. A series of events in Europe drove its rise, including the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Discovery and Expansion, and Industrial Revolution. It was characterized by intellectual growth, increasing secularization, nationalism, and global imperialism.

1. WESTERN CIVILIZATIONWESTERN CIVILIZATION

2. OriginOrigin
 Began in Europe based on the Greco-Began in Europe based on the Greco-
Roman civilization.Roman civilization.
 One of the existing world civilizations.One of the existing world civilizations.
 Started either in 8Started either in 8thth
cent AD or 16cent AD or 16thth
cent ADcent AD
; after the end of European Middle Ages; after the end of European Middle Ages
(5(5thth
– 16– 16thth
cent AD).cent AD).
 Overlapping terms; “West” or “Western”,Overlapping terms; “West” or “Western”,
“Modern” and “European”.“Modern” and “European”.

3. OriginOrigin
 Different definitions – based on differentDifferent definitions – based on different
criteria:criteria:
 Regions (Europe, America)Regions (Europe, America)
 European descendantsEuropean descendants
 Caucasian raceCaucasian race
 Western ideologiesWestern ideologies
 Western cultureWestern culture
 ChristianityChristianity
 Advanced / Industrialized European statesAdvanced / Industrialized European states
 Periods (ancient Greco-Roman / Modern)Periods (ancient Greco-Roman / Modern)

4. OriginOrigin
 Generally, Western civilization is definedGenerally, Western civilization is defined
as having these criteria:as having these criteria:
 European descendantsEuropean descendants
 Western ideologiesWestern ideologies
 Developed / Industrialized statesDeveloped / Industrialized states
 ChristianityChristianity
 In consistent with the general perceptionIn consistent with the general perception
of what people view of the West today.of what people view of the West today.

5. OriginOrigin
 Religion was not the driving force behindReligion was not the driving force behind
the Western civilization.the Western civilization.
 In fact, religion was viewed as an obstacleIn fact, religion was viewed as an obstacle
towards progress.towards progress.
 Separation of church and state.Separation of church and state.
 The rise of Western civilization followed aThe rise of Western civilization followed a
series of events in Europe.series of events in Europe.

6. European HistoryEuropean History
 Middle / Dark / Medieval AgesMiddle / Dark / Medieval Ages
 The Age of RenaissanceThe Age of Renaissance
 The Age of ReformationThe Age of Reformation
 The Age of Discovery and ExpansionThe Age of Discovery and Expansion
 Scientific RevolutionScientific Revolution
 The Age of EnlightenmentThe Age of Enlightenment
 The Age of French RevolutionThe Age of French Revolution
 Industrial RevolutionIndustrial Revolution

7. European HistoryEuropean History
 RomanticismRomanticism
 The Age of NationalismThe Age of Nationalism

8. European Middle AgesEuropean Middle Ages
 55thth
– 16– 16thth
cent AD (500 – 1500 AD).cent AD (500 – 1500 AD).
 After the fall of the Western RomanAfter the fall of the Western Roman
empire.empire.
 Characterized by intellectual stagnation,Characterized by intellectual stagnation,
famines, economic depression, plaguesfamines, economic depression, plagues
(“Black Death”), wars (“The Hundred(“Black Death”), wars (“The Hundred
Years’ War”), the “Crusades”.Years’ War”), the “Crusades”.
 The “Black Death” killed 25% - 50 % ofThe “Black Death” killed 25% - 50 % of
European population.European population.

9. European Middle AgesEuropean Middle Ages
 The “Hundred Years’ War”, England vsThe “Hundred Years’ War”, England vs
France.France.
 Supremacy of the church.Supremacy of the church.
 Roman Catholic Church as the spiritualRoman Catholic Church as the spiritual
head of Christendom and had authorityhead of Christendom and had authority
over all European secular rulers.over all European secular rulers.

10. European Middle AgesEuropean Middle Ages
 Feudal systems.Feudal systems.
 Inequalities, injustices, suppression of theInequalities, injustices, suppression of the
poor, slavery and serfdom.poor, slavery and serfdom.
 Feudal society:Feudal society:
 ClergyClergy
 NobilityNobility
 CommonersCommoners

11. The Age of RenaissanceThe Age of Renaissance
 1350 – 1550 AD (141350 – 1550 AD (14thth
– 15– 15thth
AD)AD)
 In Italy – Italian Renaissance.In Italy – Italian Renaissance.
 The “Age of Rebirth” – a rebirth ofThe “Age of Rebirth” – a rebirth of
antiquity or Greco-Roman civilization.antiquity or Greco-Roman civilization.
 The “Age of Recovery” – from the disasterThe “Age of Recovery” – from the disaster
of the 14of the 14thth
cent.cent.
 A period of significant political, economic,A period of significant political, economic,
artistic and intellectual change.artistic and intellectual change.

12. The Age of RenaissanceThe Age of Renaissance
 The achievements were the product of anThe achievements were the product of an
elite, rather than a mass, movement.elite, rather than a mass, movement.
 Wealthy upper classes Italian society.Wealthy upper classes Italian society.
 Economic recovery from flourishing tradeEconomic recovery from flourishing trade
throughout the Mediterranean (Venetians).throughout the Mediterranean (Venetians).
 An increase in manufacturing (textile).An increase in manufacturing (textile).
 New industries; printing, mining andNew industries; printing, mining and
metallurgy (new machinery & techniques).metallurgy (new machinery & techniques).

13. The Age of RenaissanceThe Age of Renaissance
 The birth of modern diplomacy.The birth of modern diplomacy.
 Ambassadors as agents of states ratherAmbassadors as agents of states rather
than the servants of all Christendom.than the servants of all Christendom.
 The beginning of modern politics; theThe beginning of modern politics; the
interests of the state supersede all otherinterests of the state supersede all other
considerations.considerations.
 Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) – onNiccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) – on
political power.political power.

14. The Age of RenaissanceThe Age of Renaissance
 Humanist movement – human beingsHumanist movement – human beings
could be changed by education.could be changed by education.
 Education on “liberal arts” (grammar,Education on “liberal arts” (grammar,
rhetoric, poetry, moral philosophy or ethicsrhetoric, poetry, moral philosophy or ethics
and history).and history).
 Responsible for secularizing the writing ofResponsible for secularizing the writing of
history – rejected divine interventions.history – rejected divine interventions.
 The invention of printing – JohannesThe invention of printing – Johannes
Gutenberg.Gutenberg.

15. The Age of RenaissanceThe Age of Renaissance
 Renaissance artistic style – a new realisticRenaissance artistic style – a new realistic
style of painting.style of painting.
 Leonardo da Vinci.Leonardo da Vinci.
 Donato di Donatello.Donato di Donatello.
 Michelangelo.Michelangelo.

16. The Age of ReformationThe Age of Reformation
 16th cent AD – began in Germany.16th cent AD – began in Germany.
 Martin Luther, a German professor ofMartin Luther, a German professor of
theology.theology.
 A religious movement, known asA religious movement, known as
“Protestant movement”.“Protestant movement”.
 Challenged the authority of the RomanChallenged the authority of the Roman
Catholic Church.Catholic Church.
 Resulted in the division of WesternResulted in the division of Western
Christendom.Christendom.

17. The Age of ReformationThe Age of Reformation
 Luther unsatisfied with Catholic traditionalLuther unsatisfied with Catholic traditional
practice of “confession”.practice of “confession”.
 The Bible as the sole authority in religiousThe Bible as the sole authority in religious
affairs – no need for traditions andaffairs – no need for traditions and
decrees of the Church.decrees of the Church.
 A hierarchical priesthood wasA hierarchical priesthood was
unnecessary since all Christians whounnecessary since all Christians who
followed the word of God were their ownfollowed the word of God were their own
priests.priests.

18. The Age of ReformationThe Age of Reformation
 Spread to other Europeans states;Spread to other Europeans states;
England, France, Germany, Netherlands,England, France, Germany, Netherlands,
Scandinavian states.Scandinavian states.
 Lutheranism, Zwinglianism, Calvinism,Lutheranism, Zwinglianism, Calvinism,
Anabaptists.Anabaptists.
 Organized reformed churches.Organized reformed churches.
 The use of music to teach the Bible.The use of music to teach the Bible.
 Abolished monasticism and clericalAbolished monasticism and clerical
celibacy.celibacy.

19. The Age of ReformationThe Age of Reformation
 Rejected veneration of relics and saints,Rejected veneration of relics and saints,
and pilgrimages.and pilgrimages.
 Replaced with individual prayer, familyReplaced with individual prayer, family
worship and collective prayer and worshipworship and collective prayer and worship
on Sunday.on Sunday.
 Important impact on education in Europe –Important impact on education in Europe –
education for the public.education for the public.
 Established Protestant secondary schoolsEstablished Protestant secondary schools
and universities.and universities.

20. The Age of Discovery andThe Age of Discovery and
ExpansionExpansion
 A transition of Europe from agrarianA transition of Europe from agrarian
economy to a commercial and industrialeconomy to a commercial and industrial
capitalistic system.capitalistic system.
 Began in late 15Began in late 15thth
cent.cent.
 Reasons for expansion:Reasons for expansion:
 Economic reasonEconomic reason
 Religious reason (Portugal and Spain)Religious reason (Portugal and Spain)
 Achieved a level of wealth ad technologyAchieved a level of wealth ad technology
(maps, weapons and vessels)(maps, weapons and vessels)

21. The Age of Discovery andThe Age of Discovery and
ExpansionExpansion
 Portugal and Spain, followed byPortugal and Spain, followed by
Netherlands, France and England.Netherlands, France and England.
 Impact on Europe – new land, riches andImpact on Europe – new land, riches and
social advancement.social advancement.
 The increase of European trade – led to aThe increase of European trade – led to a
new era of commercial capitalism andnew era of commercial capitalism and
world economy.world economy.
 Reinforced Christians Europe’s belief inReinforced Christians Europe’s belief in
the inherent superiority of Europeanthe inherent superiority of European
civilization.civilization.

22. The Age of Discovery andThe Age of Discovery and
ExpansionExpansion
 Also increased rivalries among EuropeanAlso increased rivalries among European
states.states.
 Impact on the conquered people – theImpact on the conquered people – the
establishment of European institutions,establishment of European institutions,
religion, language and culture (esp. onreligion, language and culture (esp. on
native American civilizations).native American civilizations).
 Introduction by Europeans of animalsIntroduction by Europeans of animals
(horses and sheep) and crops (wheat).(horses and sheep) and crops (wheat).

23. Scientific RevolutionScientific Revolution
 1616thth
and 17and 17thth
cent.cent.
 Conflict between science and religion.Conflict between science and religion.
 Led to a secular, rational and materialisticLed to a secular, rational and materialistic
perspectives that characterized theperspectives that characterized the
modern Western mentality.modern Western mentality.
 Challenged traditional Christian views ofChallenged traditional Christian views of
the universe.the universe.

24. Scientific RevolutionScientific Revolution
 E.g. a shift from an-earth centered to aE.g. a shift from an-earth centered to a
sun-centered cosmos.sun-centered cosmos.
 Nicolaus CopernicusNicolaus Copernicus – sun- centered– sun- centered
theory.theory.
 Johannes KeplerJohannes Kepler andand Tycho BraheTycho Brahe – solar– solar
system.system.
 Galileo GalileiGalileo Galilei – confirmed Copernican– confirmed Copernican
theory using a telescope.theory using a telescope.

25. Scientific RevolutionScientific Revolution
 Isaac NewtonIsaac Newton – universal law of– universal law of
gravitation.gravitation.
 Francis BaconFrancis Bacon – correct scientific methods– correct scientific methods
(systematic experiments and(systematic experiments and
observations).observations).
 Rene DescartesRene Descartes – scientific technology.– scientific technology.

26. Scientific RevolutionScientific Revolution
 By 17By 17thth
cent, the spread of scientificcent, the spread of scientific
knowledge in European universities.knowledge in European universities.
 Royal and princely patronage of individualRoyal and princely patronage of individual
scientists.scientists.
 The emergence of scientific societies.The emergence of scientific societies.

27. The Age of EnlightenmentThe Age of Enlightenment
 1818thth
cent.cent.
 ““Enlightenment” – accepting newEnlightenment” – accepting new
philosophical ideas based on thephilosophical ideas based on the
discoveries of the Scientific Revolution.discoveries of the Scientific Revolution.
 Also means rejection of traditionalAlso means rejection of traditional
Christianity.Christianity.
 The emergence of secularism.The emergence of secularism.

28. The Age of EnlightenmentThe Age of Enlightenment
 A movement by philosophers andA movement by philosophers and
intellectuals advocating the application ofintellectuals advocating the application of
scientific methods to the understanding allscientific methods to the understanding all
life.life.
 The use of “reason” (rational and scientificThe use of “reason” (rational and scientific
way of thinking).way of thinking).
 ““Natural law”, ”hope” and “progress”.Natural law”, ”hope” and “progress”.
 Had a widespread impact on EuropeanHad a widespread impact on European
society.society.

29. The Age of EnlightenmentThe Age of Enlightenment
 Immanuel KantImmanuel Kant – “reason”.– “reason”.
 MontesquieuMontesquieu – “natural law”.– “natural law”.
 VoltaireVoltaire – criticism of traditional religion– criticism of traditional religion
and religious toleration.and religious toleration.
 Denis DiderotDenis Diderot – criticism of Christianity.– criticism of Christianity.
 David HumeDavid Hume – “science of man”.– “science of man”.
 Adam SmithAdam Smith – laissez faire.– laissez faire.
 RousseauRousseau – “social contract”.– “social contract”.

30. The Age of French RevolutionThe Age of French Revolution
 Late 18Late 18thth
and 19and 19thth
cent.cent.
 1789 in Paris – the attack on Bastille – led1789 in Paris – the attack on Bastille – led
to the French Revolution.to the French Revolution.
 A turning point in European political andA turning point in European political and
social history.social history.
 The abolition of “old regime andThe abolition of “old regime and
institutions’ and the establishment of ainstitutions’ and the establishment of a
new order in Europe.new order in Europe.

31. The Age of French RevolutionThe Age of French Revolution
 Individual rights, representativeIndividual rights, representative
institutions, and loyalty to nation.institutions, and loyalty to nation.
 In line with the French revolution sloganIn line with the French revolution slogan
“Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”.“Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”.
 Inspired by the American Revolution (“WarInspired by the American Revolution (“War
of Independence”) – “Bill of Rights”.of Independence”) – “Bill of Rights”.
 Inequality of rights in French society.Inequality of rights in French society.
 Economic and financial problems.Economic and financial problems.

32. The Age of French RevolutionThe Age of French Revolution
 Ended with the abolition of FrenchEnded with the abolition of French
monarchy.monarchy.
 ““The Declaration of the Rights of Man andThe Declaration of the Rights of Man and
the Citizen” (1879).the Citizen” (1879).
 Men are born and remain free and equalMen are born and remain free and equal
in rights; the governments must protectin rights; the governments must protect
these natural rights, and that politicalthese natural rights, and that political
power is derived from the people.power is derived from the people.

33. The Age of French RevolutionThe Age of French Revolution
 The ideas were disseminated byThe ideas were disseminated by
Napoleon Bonaparte through hisNapoleon Bonaparte through his
European expansion (1799 – 1815).European expansion (1799 – 1815).
 He sought acceptance everywhere ofHe sought acceptance everywhere of
certain revolutionary principles, includingcertain revolutionary principles, including
legal equality, religious toleration andlegal equality, religious toleration and
economic freedom.economic freedom.

34. The Industrial RevolutionThe Industrial Revolution
 Late 18Late 18thth
and early 19and early 19thth
cent.cent.
 Began in Britain, spread to EuropeanBegan in Britain, spread to European
continent and the New World (America).continent and the New World (America).
 Transformed the economic and socialTransformed the economic and social
structure of Europe.structure of Europe.
 From a traditional, labor-intensiveFrom a traditional, labor-intensive
economy based on farming andeconomy based on farming and
handicrafts to capital-intensive economy,handicrafts to capital-intensive economy,
based on manufacturing.based on manufacturing.

35. The Industrial RevolutionThe Industrial Revolution
 Witnessed a quantum leap in industrialWitnessed a quantum leap in industrial
production – due to new sources ofproduction – due to new sources of
energy and power (coal and steam);energy and power (coal and steam);
power machinery; factories; overseaspower machinery; factories; overseas
markets.markets.
 Mass movements of people fromMass movements of people from
countryside to urban areas.countryside to urban areas.
 Led to a search for new sources of rawLed to a search for new sources of raw
materials and new markets.materials and new markets.

36. The Industrial RevolutionThe Industrial Revolution
 A revolution in transportation; railroadsA revolution in transportation; railroads
and locomotives.and locomotives.
 The creation of a wealthy industrial middleThe creation of a wealthy industrial middle
class and a huge industrial working classclass and a huge industrial working class
(proletariat).(proletariat).
 Negative effects.Negative effects.

37. RomanticismRomanticism
 Late 19Late 19thth
cent.cent.
 Began in Germany; German poets.Began in Germany; German poets.
 An intellectual movement - as a reactionAn intellectual movement - as a reaction
against the Enlightenment movementagainst the Enlightenment movement
(reason).(reason).
 The Romantics tried to balance reasonThe Romantics tried to balance reason
and human intuition, feeling, feeling andand human intuition, feeling, feeling and
imagination.imagination.

38. RomanticismRomanticism
 Literary arts; poetry – was the directLiterary arts; poetry – was the direct
expression of one’s soul.expression of one’s soul.
 Visual arts, music.Visual arts, music.
 Believed that states and societies evolvedBelieved that states and societies evolved
through time, and that each people had athrough time, and that each people had a
spirit (spirit (geistgeist) that made him unique.) that made him unique.
 Some emphasized greatly on nature –Some emphasized greatly on nature –
identifying the forces of nature with God.identifying the forces of nature with God.

39. RomanticismRomanticism
 Joseph Malford William TurnerJoseph Malford William Turner
 Eugene DelacroixEugene Delacroix
 BeethovenBeethoven

40. The Age of NationalismThe Age of Nationalism
 1919thth
cent.cent.
 Revolutions against authoritarianRevolutions against authoritarian
governments in Europe.governments in Europe.
 Resulted in national unity (Italy andResulted in national unity (Italy and
Germany), and constitutional monarchiesGermany), and constitutional monarchies
(in many other European states).(in many other European states).
 The unification of Italy (1861).The unification of Italy (1861).
 The unification of Germany (1871); OttoThe unification of Germany (1871); Otto
von Bismarck.von Bismarck.