Historical Background Of Modern Historiography

Seen from the point of cultural development, is really a milestone in the renaissance or early modern era of Western European history, marked by the emergence of leaders humanist thinkers, including the Machiavelli. They consisted of the intellectuals, poets, philosophers, scientists, artists and so on. Although it only consists of a small group, yet their ideas have actually been encouraging (people) new era, so they were also often referred to as a creative minority groups.

Their ideas were also raises the spirit of entrepreneurship (entrepreneurship) in the broad sense, both in the field of science, commerce, literature, art, politics, philosophy and so forth, so that time is termed as the era of the resurrection. The most prominent example in that regard was the emergence of a thinker Rene des Cartes who famously said "cogito ergosum" which means "I know so I exist." The point is that the base of human existence is because of an awareness of the man himself, where everything comes from the ratio (rationalism).

 
In the field of culture, according to J. Romein a Dutch philosopher said that until about the 1500s in the world this year there are three major cultures that move parallel to the culture of India, Asia and the West. However, after the time of renaissance and humanism of European civilization have deviations from the general pattern, which is growing rapidly leaving the other civilizations on earth. As the result is that the 19-20 century were able to demonstrate superiority of Western culture towards Eastern culture.

 
The factors that cause deviations from the general pattern is as follows:

1.  Rationalism, a school of thought that considers that the ratio is the main force, the fundamental or the source of human civilization. Rationalism arise as a result of advances in science that is based upon the power of human thought.

2.    Reformation, a religious movement (Christianity) is powerful and driven by the development of rationalism and humanism. Until the 1500s Europe was still united under the umbrella of Christianity under the leadership of the Vatican in Rome. According to the teachings of the Roman church is mentioned that not all people can and can read the Bible because it is right (monopoly) of the clergy. In contrast the rationalism taught that everyone is equipped with a ratio, so that when wants and by learning also has the ability to read the Gospel. In this regard it appeared figures who protest the monopoly of religious reform by the Roman church, among others, M Luther King, Zwingli, Calvin, Melanchthon, and so on. They argue and fight that every individual can read and translate the Scriptures (the Bible). This is where the visible protrusion of individuals who are highly rated, resulting in the subsequent development raises ideology of individualism.

3. Nationalism, namely the reform movement of Luther and his friends against the church in Rome to propagate the Gospel translations into various languages ​​in order to be read and understood by everyone. At that time the Gospel was written in Latin, as well as in religious ceremonies is also used Latin, which is already a dead language. As a result there was movement of the Gospel translations in various languages ​​such as English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and others. It turns out that the translation movement also encouraged the emergence of national movements, with respect to every nation in Europe want to use their own language to understand, appreciate and practice the religion that comes from the gospel. As a result of more schools of nationalism arose in Europe which then encourages the came national States. Likewise, although not openly Christianity already fragmented into several streams as a result of differences of interpretation in understanding the Gospel that has been widely translated into many languages.

4.    Ekspansy, namely the expansion both in the field of economics, politics, geography and culture in general of the European nations all over the world since the 1500s. This was primarily driven by the explosion of European adventures around the world and managed to find and introduce new continents for Europeans. Their courage is no more encouraged by the spirit of entrepreneurship in the broadest sense. The goal is the desire for a better life and progress. Some adventurers are that even like never get to the territory of Indonesia, among others, Marco Polo, Pigavetta, Pinto, Tome Pires and so on. Report of the adventurers turned out to open the eyes of the nations of Europe will be of another world outside of Europe with civilization and culture are no less advanced, such as Egypt, China, West Asia, India and others. This in turn raise awareness of the relativity of their own culture which was originally considered only the best and most correct. Therefore they are also encouraged to examine their own culture, including traditions and religion which until that time still regarded as an absolute truth.