TECHNOLOGY AND REVOLUTIONThe Protestant ReformationJanet DaughertyShelly Wyatt

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Define historical concept of turning point

Identify the impact of turning points on social institutions

• Self-test: Which of the following technologies is associated with a significant change in a society (i.e., so significant that a society grows in influence or wealth, or redefines the society’s values)?

– Printing Press

– Concrete (Building material)

– Automatic Washing Machine

Correct!

•Facilitated mass production of texts•Decentralized dissemination of information•Challenged power of the Roman Catholic Church

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Correct!

•Emphasized Roman power and superiority

•Served as a mechanism for exportation of Roman values and culture

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Correct!

•Emerged as one of the “domestic technologies” of the early part of the 20th century.•Reduced labor-intensive chore• Made household chores accessible to children and working adults

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Definition of Turning Point

Institution: Marriage

• Increased documentation of marriage

• Impact: Marriage becomes a contract:– Between man & woman– Between couple and

God• Revolution: Marriage

replaces celibacy as highest calling

Institution: Family

•Rise of secular (non-religious) courses of study at universities

•Law•Classics

• Increased focus on industry as a family value• Revolution: Rise of middle class

Institution: Politics

• Machiavelli’s The Prince marks beginning of modern politics

• Revolution: Challenges belief that rulers must follow Christian values at all times

Summary: Technology as Contributor to Historical Turning Points