Answer the following two questions separately, and each question requires 250words. Put original question in front of each answers.
Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire was a well respected political and military leader and a devout Catholic. At the height of his power, he divvied up his territories and abdicated, retiring to a monastery for what turned out to be the final year of his life. What do you think would induce a man at that level of power to do such a thing? What were some of the key ways in which his world was changing? Can you imagine being happy in a monastic life after decades of worldly success?
Charles V abdicated his titles to his son Philip and his brother Ferdinand. He gave his son the Spanish Empire, while his brother Ferdinand succeeded him as the Holy Roman Emperor. However, Charles continued to correspond with them while in the monastery where he retired. He still maintained an interest in situations of the empire. It was a surprise to many then, and even today historians are still astounded by the decision taken by Charles V. He was a man who had won many battles and conquered many kingdoms (Howell 137).
One of the main reasons that can make a man take such action is fear of failure. It is clear that, before retiring to the monastery, Charles was defeated during the battle to recapture Metz. This was in 1552 after he had postponed the war due to gout (Howell 139). The gout sapped all his strength and he became weak and could not lead his charges in new conquests.
Following his retirement in the monastery, he lived in seclusion and clocks lined his wall (Howell 145). The clocks were symbolised the unavailable time he had left in the world. Signifying a changing world for him in which time was limited and was ready to meet his maker.
It is inconceivable for a man who has won battles and conquered kingdoms to live in seclusion. However, circumstances might drive people to do so, just like Charles V. On the other hand, the perception of not achieving other successes by new conquests may compel a person to act unconventionally like Charles V.
We all agreed that the invention of the movable type printing press in 1440 was historically important. Discuss here the various ways in which religious, civil, political and social life were improved, diminished or simply altered by this invention.
The invention of the movable type printing press in 1440 can only be currently rivalled by the invention of the Internet. Clearly, rapid changes across Europe and over the world were because of Gutenberg’s invention in 1440 (Man). If the invention did not take place, then the industrial and cultural revolutions witnessed could not have taken place.
On a religious perspective, the moveable printing press changed the operations in church. People were able to read the bible in their native language for the first time (Man). In effect, the congregants were able to challenge some of the activities that went on in churches. As such, the church leaders could not selectively scriptures since people had the bibles with them.
It is necessary to note that, the moving printing press was invented during the renaissance period. As such, individuals like Martin Luther were able to write their beliefs and distribute them to far-reaching audiences (Man). Such ideas by the likes of Martin Luther and other individuals were able to change the political mindset of many Europeans. In effect, people revolted and brought changes in the political arena.
Socially, the invention-helped people understand their history through art. Poets and prose writers published and printed their work in large scale. Therefore, they reached a larger audience than before the invention. Effectively, language and literature grew in leaps and bounds. People were able to read and write enabling them to think critically.
Undoubtedly, the invention of the movable printing press was a terrific idea in the whole of Europe. Information and disseminating idea to a large audience was achieved. In effect, the Western culture realised sweeping changes in all aspects.
