The History Files #68: 1450s Turning Points

The 15th century was a time of tumult, war, and change both social and technological. This week we look at five events that changed the course of history around the globe: the end of the 100 Years War, China’s switch to silver currency, the fall of Constantinople, Pope Nicholas V’s legalization of slavery, and Gutenberg’s printing press.

Show notes and links:

* Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories Book 1), Mary Robinette Kowal (amazon.com)

* Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

* Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (miniseries)

* The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1989) dir. Terry Gilliam

* Baron Munchausen

* Hundred Years’ War

* China and Europe, 1500–2000 and Beyond: What is Modern? (columbia.edu) Chinese currency.

* Fall of Constantinople

* Pope Nicholas V legalizes slavery

* Gutenberg’s Printing press

* Music: Codex Faenza (ca. 1410 – 1420): Francesco Landini (youtube.com)

* Chinese Ancient Music  (youtube.com)

* Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – Barbershop A Cappella Quartet (youtube.com)

* Music of Ottoman empire, old Ottoman Song 18/19 th Century – Üsküdara Giderken (youtube.com)

* Early 16th Century Venetian Lute Music, Paul O’Dette (youtube.com)

* German Renaissance Music (youtube.com)

* Bad Cat Store at Zazzle (zazzle.com)