Mrs. McDonough, Mrs. Hendricks, & Mrs. Thomas The Renaissance Mrs. McDonough, Mrs. Hendricks, & Mrs. Thomas

EQ What changes in society stimulated the Italian Renaissance? Why the Renaissance began in Italy?

Objective: Students will be able to explain what the Renaissance is and how Humanism changed Europe’s way of thinking.

What is the Renaissance? A time in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century where there was a revival in art, literature, and learning. It marked the transition from the medieval to the modern world

Before the Renaissance, what was life like?

The Medieval Period (Dark Ages) Period between the Roman Empire and the Re-Birth of Europe. Not very many new ideas about art or literature. People did NOT think for themselves, and followed strict social structures and beliefs.

Let’s Remember Medieval Cities Space was limited: Crowded within the walls Narrow streets Second and third stories of buildings reached over the streets

Let’s Remember Medieval Cities They burned. A lot. There was great danger because: Buildings were made mainly of wood Candles and wood fires were used for light and heat

Let’s Remember Medieval Cities They were also a little gross. The smell was unpleasant Human and animal waste in the streets Wood fires polluted the air

The Black Death By the early 1300s, more goods were being shipped across central Asia than ever before. This allowed the Black Death to spread rapidly through caravans infested with rats that traveled from city to city.

Economic Impact of the Black Death Financial business was disrupted. Debtors (people who borrow money) died, so creditors (people who loan money) could not get their money back. Construction projects stopped because there was no labor force. Whole families died, leaving empty homes and no heirs to the family name.

The Black Death changed the way people lived. The formerly poor and currently healthy were suddenly in demand! They could be paid and were no longer serfs The Plague, like the Crusades, helped to weaken the Feudal System European society was changed forever!

The Black Death Affects The Black Death marked an end of an era in Italy, its impact was profound and it resulted in wide-ranging social, economic, cultural and religious changes. These changes, directly and indirectly, led to the emergence of the Renaissance, one of the greatest epochs for art.

Let’s get to the Renaissance

The Renaissance Defined The Renaissance was a time of renewal Renaissance means “Rebirth” Renaissance means rebirth and Europe was recovering from the Dark ages and the plague. People had lost their faith in the church and began to put more focus on human beings. The Renaissance took place in Europe between 1350 and 1700. 

The Renaissance: A Turning Point in History The Renaissance (13th-16th centuries) is considered a turning point in history because of how much the world changed. Art changed. Science changed. Medicine changed. People's views on life, government, and politics changed. Education changed.

Where was it? Mainly in Italy Characterized by: Society becoming urban (more city-like) City-states were extremely powerful A more secular view of the world, where religion did not have as prominent of a role in everyday life.

Why Italy? Wealth from trade supported art learning. Modern capitalism was born here Private individuals or companies, not the government, owned businesses. The main goal was profit. Republican governments arose in most cities, where the citizens could participate.

Renaissance Advancement The Renaissance advanced three main disciplines—Architecture, Sculpture and Painting.

The Italian-City States There was no centralized kingdom in Italy, so the city-states that developed in ancient history were still around. Three major city-states: Milan Venice Florence

Milan One of the richest Crossroads of the Italian trade routes Rulers created a tax system that made money for the government

Venice On the trade route between Asia and Europe Groups of wealthy merchants were in charge As a trade port, it made a lot of money and became an international power.

Florence Wealthy merchants controlled the state A struggle between religious rule and merchants developed. This led to the downfall of religious leaders (REFORMATION!)

Renaissance Society

Renaissance Society The wealthy class made up less than 10% of the population. They embraced new ideas Knowledge of the arts was a way to display wealth The poorer classes saw and accepted ideas

Renaissance Society Peasants (85-90% of the population) saw the end of serfdom after the decline of feudalism Townspeople were split into three groups: Patricians – trade, banking, and industry Burghers – shopkeepers or belonged to a guild Workers – very poor and made up 30-40% of the city

Family and Marriage Family was important Used to strengthen ties Arranged as early as the age of 2 or 3 Father or husband was the center of the family, while mothers supervised the house Fathers were also able to decide when a child was considered an adult, especially in court.

Art and Patronage Wealthy Italians were willing to spend a lot of money on art. Buyers of art, or patrons, were the wealthy, government officials, or members of the Church In Florence, the Medici family provided money to artists and intellectuals Consumption of art was used to compete for social and political status!

Humanism

Humanists formed a belief in the What is Humanism ? An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanists formed a belief in the importance of the individual. The ability of human beings to determine for themselves truth and falsehood.

Fill out the graphic organizer for the rest!

Humanism Humanists believed in the importance of the individual Humanism also valued classical culture.

Petrarch Considered the father of humanism Found and studied forgotten Latin texts Loved books and believed that people could learn by reading Liked to be in solitude

Humanism > Feudalism Humanists believe that people have the ability to think for themselves and create their own life. People can do this apart from social class or family. King Nobles. Lords Knights Peasants

Humanism vs The Church Humanists: - Focused on the present - Believed people should use their own minds and question everything. The Church - Focused on the afterlife - Believed people should follow its teachings without question to save their souls