Conclusion

As the term suggests, the early modern period has been seen as a bridge between the medieval and modern worlds. I hope that through studying this free course, Early modern Europe: an introduction, you have realised that it is a period with its own special character. One of the most striking features of early modern life is the way in which radical changes, such as the development of new religious ideas, sit alongside fundamental continuities, as in many aspects of the world of work. Identifying the drivers for change, and the factors behind continuity still presents a challenge for historians.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course A223 Early modern Europe: society and culture, 1500 to 1780 .