Early modern period

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The early modern period, c. 1500 – c. 1800, is a historical period with divisions based primarily on the history of Europe and the broader concept of modernity. There is no exact date that marks the beginning or end of the period, and its extent may vary depending on the area of history being studied. In general, the early modern period is considered to have started at the beginning of the 16th or 17th century (c. 1500 – c. 1600), and it is variably considered to have ended at the 18th or 19th century (1700–1800). In a European context, it is defined as the period following the Middle Ages and preceding the advent of modernity, but there is no universal agreement on the dates of these boundaries. In the context of global history, the early modern period is often used even in contexts where there is no equivalent "medieval" period. Various events and historical transitions have been proposed as the start of the early modern period, including the start of the Renaissance, the beginning of...

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