Talk:Early modern Europe

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[edit] Beards

"A good rule of thumb is that the Early Modern period begins in any particular European country with its first ruler to grow a beard (the Middle Ages being a characteristically clean-shaven period). Thus, the Early Modern period in Spain begins with Ferdinand, in England with Henry VIII, in France with Francis I, in the Holy Roman Empire with Charles V." Amusing anonymous contribution. Does anyone feel this belongs in the article? --Wetman 10:28, 26 March 2006 (UTC)

What do you think?

Beautiful, and true, but sadly unsourced. Looking at other European countries, we see Pope Julius II (r.1503-1513), Christian II of Denmark, James V of Scotland (r.1513-1542), Sigismund II of Poland (r.1548-1572, although several of his predecessors had moustaches), Louis II of Hungary (r.1516-1526)... on the other hand, in Portugal the first bearded monarch was Duarte (r.1433-1438), suggesting that the beard appeared first in Portugal and gradually spread east and north. But this is all silliness. john k 21:11, 18 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Definition

The definition seems a bit odd to me. Traditionally, I've usually seen the period defined as the period between the discovery of America/Charles VIII's invasion of Italy (1492/4) to the French Revolution (1789), at least in terms of political history. Defining it with the Industrial Revolution seems odd and imprecise, as does starting it with the Reformation (although I've certainly seen that done). john k 21:11, 18 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Flanders

Any objections to adding Flanders (or Low Countries ... )alongside the Italian republics as a location for the rise of early capitalism. I don't have a source immediately to hand, but there is not one for Italy either. Itsmejudith 17:02, 7 October 2006 (UTC)