I have to write a research paper about a controversial history topic between the years of 1400 and 1650. It is a Western Civilization class so it will need to be focused on that part of the world during that time. Any suggestions? I need something that I can find plenty of reliable database research on. Thanks!

Renaissance -- the ethical treatment of animals, do animals suffer, and what is man's place in nature

European witch hunts

China, the invention of gunpowder, revolutionized warfare in the Western world

science from 1400-1650 = magic, alchemy and astrology -- valued methods for understanding the natural world and humanity's place in it.

Martin Luther and the Reformation

The Spanish Inquisition

King Henry VIII and separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church

Queen Elizabeth I and her conflict with Mary Queen of Scots

OK great thank you guys so very much! I was really struggling finding a topic and this has helped so much. I haven't decided which topic to go with yet but through researching all of them I know that no matter which one I choose it will be perfect for my reseach paper. I am caught between Queen Elizabeth and her conflict with Mary queen of Scots and European which hunts. Once again many thanks. Karah

Keep us informed as to how it goes.