Luther was the key figure in the upheavals and when we re-start classes I will continue to look at the religious changes in Europe.
It is important to contemplate changes outside of England at this time.
Circa 1400. Beginning of the Italian Renaissance. English travellers and merchants bring the ideas back to England & Scotland.
1453 Fall of Constantinople to the Turks. This ended the division of Christianity between Roman and Eastern administrations of the Church, leaving the Russian Orthodox Church as the major force in the East.
The spice trade became more difficult and expensive resulting in exploration for new routes to India. This encouraged developments in mathematics, astronomy and technical developments such as the compass which Chinese and Arab traders had used for many centuries.
Spain, England and other countries established colonies dependent on slaves.
1492 Fall of Granada and end of Moorish rule in Spain. 15th Century.
Creation of a Muslim Empire in India by Babur, a contemporary of Henry VIII.
Do not restrain yourselves by focusing on the Tudors and events in a small island!
Terry Case