Come on and Get Your Overdose

Following this, I'm comfortable with the idea that the European Renaissance was Post Post-Apocalyptic. The Medieval period was Post-Apocalyptic. The period was brought about by the collapse of the advanced societies of the entire continent, when thousands of years of technological advancement and philosophical enlightenment were lost.

http://community.livejournal.com/steamfashion/2642004.html

Also, I'm totally fine with Post-Apocalyptic Steampunk. Read Boneshaker by Cherie Priest if you need help understanding.