John E. Findling is professor emeritus of history at Indiana University Southeast. He lives in Wichita, Kansas.

Preface
The Reconquista, c.711-1492
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Pamela Beattie
The Renaissance, c. 1300-1630
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Blake Beattie
The Hundred Years' War, 1337-1453
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Daniel Webster Hollis, III
The Ming Dynasty Comes to Power, 1368-1431
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Lung-kee Sun
The Age of European Expansion Begins, c. 1450-c.1525
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Steven E. Siry
The Development of Movable Type, c. 1450
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Alison Gulley
The Fall of Constantinople, 1453
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by John K. Cox
The Conquest of the New World, 1492-c. 1550
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Clifford Staten
The Protestant Reformation, c. 1517-1648
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Ineke Justiz
The Spanish Armada
Introduction
Interpretive Essay by Connie S. Evans
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Timeline
Appendix C: Ruling Houses and Dynasties
Index

Except for the twentieth century, the period from the late Middle Ages through the sixteenth century witnessed the most significant developments in the history of the world. From the expulsion of the Muslims from Spain, through the flowering of the Renaissance, the religious strife of the Reformation, and the attempts by great empires to conquer their own continent and expand into the New World, the enormous political, religious, and social change took place on every continent of the globe are examined. These events and their impact have been carefully described and analyzed in this useful student resource. The events covered are: the Reconquista in Spain, the Renaissance, the Hundred Years' War, the Ming Dynasty Comes to Power, the Age of European Expansion Begins, the Development of Movable Type, the Fall of Constantinople, the Conquest of the New World, the Protestant Reformation, and the Spanish Armada.
An introductory essay provides factual material about the event in a clear, concise, and chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. An interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field, explores the short-term and long-term ramifications of the event. Each chapter concludes with a helpful annotated bibliography of further reading. A glossary, timeline of events, and table of ruling houses and dynasties across the globe provide additional reference value. Events That Changed the World Through the Sixteenth Century is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading for social studies and world history courses.