Key Historical Periods in the Seconde Curriculum
The Seconde history program spans from the 15th to the 18th century, covering the intellectual and political foundations of the modern world.
Renaissance and Humanism (15th-16th centuries)
Humanism originated in Italy and spread across Europe, promoting the rediscovery of Greek and Latin texts and placing humanity at the center of knowledge.
- Key figures: Erasmus (1466-1536), Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel, 1508-1512)
- Gutenberg's printing press (c. 1450) revolutionized the spread of ideas
- Great Discoveries: Columbus reaches America (1492), Vasco da Gama reaches India (1498), Magellan's circumnavigation (1519-1522)
The Protestant Reformation
- 1517: Martin Luther's 95 Theses challenge Catholic indulgences
- John Calvin establishes Reformed Church in Geneva
- Counter-Reformation: Council of Trent (1545-1563), Jesuits founded
The Modern State: France and England
- France: Absolute monarchy under Louis XIV (1643-1715), Versailles, Edict of Nantes (1598) then its revocation (1685)
- England: Magna Carta (1215), execution of Charles I (1649), Bill of Rights (1689) establishing parliamentary monarchy
The Enlightenment and the French Revolution
Enlightenment thinkers: Montesquieu (separation of powers), Voltaire (tolerance), Rousseau (social contract), Diderot (Encyclopedia).
French Revolution key dates:
- July 14, 1789: Storming of the Bastille
- August 26, 1789: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
- September 21, 1792: Proclamation of the Republic
- January 21, 1793: Execution of Louis XVI
