Mentality
individualistic, becoming more nationalistic
other cultures seen as backward; Europe thought
ahead of other cultures technologically and
intellectually; disdain for other value systems,
especially cyclical thought
Religion
Christianity (one god, one text) Catholic until 1500,
controlled by Roman Church with pope at its head, based
on orthodoxy surrounding the sacrifice of Jesus
Judaism (one god, one text) concentrated
in trading areas due to Catholic money
lending restrictions, Jews shunned by many
Society
stratified but mobile: class system loosening with increase
in trade, emphasis on money over land beginning
Economy
producer of precious metals (imported) and technology:
mechanical items, gold and silver (from colonies), wheat
and grains, glass, ships
imports: silk, gold and silver, spices,
porcelain, jade, jewels
Gender
Roles
men control public life, women control private life
Philosophy
individualistic: emerging from thinking of Christian
community as primary, success measured in individual/familial
achievement
History
linear: based on Judeo-Christian idea of progress over
time, optimistic, future will be better than now
Image
by Jason McCartney, Jill Malone's CIS 246/Art
247 Photoshop class (S04)
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