Political
Centralized monarchies and the nation state are growing while feudalism is declining in the 1600's. The Protestant Revolution gives political power to princes/monarchs in religious affairs. Well defined borders for each country didn't allow expansion which led to the conquest and creation of colonies overseas. Mercantilism was used to market trade.
Economic
The trade lead to more profits for merchants and in luxury time. The profits from the trading were invested in the arts. Internally, Capitalism is developing in Europe. Once colonies are established, mercantilism becomes part of the economy which stressed that colonies benefited the country they were/are under.Trading colonies were established in the Eastern Hemisphere to support the British, Dutch, and the French.
Religion
The Protestant Reformation was created by the Renaissance moving northward. Lutheranism, Anglicanism, Calvinism, Baptists, etc. are several new sects in Christianity. No more religious unity across Europe. With the reformation occurring, the Catholic Church responds with the Catholic/Counter Reformation, seminary schools and a Jesuit society is formed. People begin to be accused of witchcraft, mainly women.
Society
The middle class began to develop, mainly merchants and artisans. Noble power began to decline with the increase of monarch power and decline of feudalism. Woman still remained subservient. In rural areas, large families were found.
Intellectual
Intellectual thought began to take off beginning with the Renaissance in Italy. The traditions of the Church were challenged in the 1600's by the Scientific Revolution. The Scientific Revolution brought scientists such as Galileo, Descartes, Bacon, Copernicus, and Newton that believed in the Humanistic spirit and questioned the Church to the spotlight. Enlightenment came after the Scientific Revolution.
Renaissance ---> Protestant Reformation ---> Scientific Revolution ---> Enlightenment
Scientific Revolution + Enlightenment = Age of Reason
Renaissance ---> Protestant Reformation ---> Scientific Revolution ---> Enlightenment
Scientific Revolution + Enlightenment = Age of Reason
Art
During the time period, the renaissance began in Italy because of the Italian connection with the Roman past. Artists during the renaissance included Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Raphael. Machiavelli and Shakespeare were famous writers during the early modern era.
Near Geography
Europe is lucky enough to have many navigable rivers that cross cross the continent. The rivers created internal trade (with in Europe) during the time period. The merchants in the city state in Italy were the "middle men" in trade from Asia to Europe when the Commercial Revolution came around.
Sources
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Map_of_Europe_in_1794_Samuel_Dunn_Map_of_the_World_in_Hemispheres.JPG
https://fhswolvesden.wikispaces.com/file/view/italian_renaissance_art1.jpg/249087143/italian_renaissance_art1.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Canterbury-Cathedral-Church-of-England-1890-1900.jpg
http://www.kpcsd.org/webpages/atiu/resources.cfm
https://fhswolvesden.wikispaces.com/file/view/italian_renaissance_art1.jpg/249087143/italian_renaissance_art1.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Canterbury-Cathedral-Church-of-England-1890-1900.jpg
http://www.kpcsd.org/webpages/atiu/resources.cfm