- Growth of cities and rise of the merchant class
- Increased social mobility
- Rise of individualism
- Growing secularization of society
- Increased cultural exchange
Political Changes
- Rise of powerful monarchies
-Development of nation-states
- Emergence of modern diplomacy
Economic Changes
- Rise of capitalism and the free market
- Increased trade and commerce
- Growth of a money economy
- Improved transportation and communication
Cultural and intellectual changes
- Rebirth of interest in classical learning
- Development of humanism
- Growth of scientific knowledge and exploration
- Spread of printing
- Artistic innovation and the birth of the Renaissance style
Religious Changes
- Great Schism
- Reformation
- Establishment of Protestant churches
- Catholic Reformation and Council of Trent