Final answer:
Up to the first half of the 17th century, European society was transitioning from feudalism to more centralized nation-states, spurred by the intellectual and cultural revival of the Renaissance and the geographical expansions of the Age of Exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Status Quo up to the 17th Century (First Half)
The period up to the first half of the 17th century saw feudalism as a dominant social structure in medieval Europe, where land was owned by nobles and worked by peasants. The Renaissance, a rebirth of art and learning, began in the late 15th century and reinvigorated European culture and intellectual life. While the Industrial Revolution did not begin until the 18th century, its roots can be traced to earlier technological innovations. The Age of Exploration saw European powers expanding their horizons, beginning with Columbus's voyage in 1492, leading to increased trade and colonization.
The High Middle Ages were marked by growth in population and agriculture, as well as the military campaigns known as the Crusades. Intellectual developments included the founding of universities and the application of reason to faith known as scholasticism. The Renaissance saw the continued decline of feudalism and the rise of nation-states, along with significant advances in the arts and sciences, laying the groundwork for the modern world.
While the full Industrial Revolution unfolded much later, the era up to the 17th century laid the foundation for industrial growth, with advancements stemming from increased trade, technological improvements, and the shift away from feudal systems. The Age of Exploration initiated a significant divide between Western Europe/America and the rest of the world, which continued to widen during the period of colonial expansion that followed.