Generally Capitalized:
* Names of countries and continents: Europe, France, Germany, Italy, etc.
* Nationalities and languages: European, French, German, Italian, etc.
* Specific regions within Europe: Scandinavia, the Balkans, the Iberian Peninsula, etc.
* Historical periods: the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment, etc.
* Specific events and movements: the French Revolution, the Reformation, etc.
* Religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.
* Proper nouns: the Louvre, the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, etc.
* Titles: King Louis XIV, Queen Victoria, etc.
Generally Not Capitalized:
* General terms: European history, European art, European literature, etc.
* Directions: northern Europe, southern Europe, western Europe, etc.
* Adjectives referring to regions: French culture, Italian food, etc.
* Seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter, etc.
* Days of the week and months: Monday, Tuesday, January, February, etc.
Important Note:
* Style Guides: Some style guides (like the Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook) have specific rules about capitalization. It's crucial to check the style guide being used for the particular piece of writing you are working on.
Example:
* Incorrect: The renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic change in Europe.
* Correct: The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic change in Europe.
Overall, the best way to determine capitalization in European culture is to:
1. Consider the context. Is this a specific name or a general term?
2. Consult a style guide. If there's a specific style guide being used, follow its rules.
3. Use common sense. If in doubt, err on the side of capitalization.
Remember, consistency is key!