1. In the sixteenth century, Europe experienced population and economic growth. A series of social developments stemmed from these changes.
2. Europeans, led by the Portuguese and then by the Spaniards, expanded around the globe, establishing empires over vast areas.
3. "New monarchs" in Western Europe increased their authority and power.
4. In parts of Eastern Europe and Italy, central authority was unable to overcome forces that favored small, relatively autonomous units.
5. Initiated in Italy, new theories and practices of diplomacy and statecraft, focusing on the realities of power, spread throughout Europe.
