In what ways did the beginning of the 17th century take the Renaissance and the very destiny of Europe itself in totally new directions? What important changes took place in the 17th century? What is the Baroque and how did it influence art, religion, etc., during the 17th century? What new and specific forms of literature came about during the 17th century and which nation(s) made the greatest contributions to the arts, sciences, and literature during this century?