Renaissance Civilization “The Renaissance ushered in a spirit of modernity, freeing the individual from the domination of society and creative impulses from the repression of the church; the Renaissance represented the beginning of secular society and the preeminence of the creative individual” -Jakob Burkhardt (1860) Renaissance Civilization

Humanism in the age of “Rinascita” Revived interactions with the East sponsored a renewed interest in the Greco-Roman past. Notable men viewed themselves as leading society on a march towards greatness Humanism-the belief that men are capable of great things! Rafael’s School of Athens—a Historic Example of Humanism

Hallmarks of the Renaissance Printing: mechanical writing replaces scriptoria, cheaper and more widespread Painting: From artisan to artist Sculpture: artists were now exalted figures Literature: mainly a northern Europe phenomenon Musical performance: low countries writing “symphonic” pieces—or many voices/instruments

Why Italy? Quicker plague recovery City-state structure Wealthy banking and commercial structure Abundant patronage from Vatican and wealthy of Florence

The Italian City-State Florence: Roughly the size of Massachusetts Population of 260,000 City of Florence had 38,000 people…yet despite that being 14% of the total it had 70% of the wealth! 60% of the people who lived there were “little people” or workers, artisans, farmers, and small merchants. 30% were “fat people” or wealthier merchants, leading artisants, doctors, and notaries. 9% were slaves and servants (usually of Balkan descent) The top 1% were a mere 100 families who owned more than 25% of the total wealth!

Types of City-States Florence: Roman style Republican state, led by a single family: the de’ Medici’s Venice: a small trading empire located around one city-state stretching from Adriatic to Aegean Milan: A heredtiary Dynasty since the 1300’s. A curious “duchy style state” blended feudalism and a ruling family. Naples: a strange blend of a local monarchy with the strong pull of historic French influences. Papal States: the areas under the direct control of the Pontiff and the Church. Popes wielded both political and cultural power.

European Renaissance Historical context Ming in China beginning vast explorations and economic resurgence of China in the wake of the Mongols. India is under the dominion of the Mughal Empire States in the Americas are developing under the Inca and the Aztec Islamic civilization was flourishing under the Safavids and Ottomans African states under the Songhay and Benin were emerging as powerful empires in Africa

The Decline of Italy Of the Italian city states, there were 5 that were dominant Dramatically impacted by the fall of Constantinople by the Ottomans Fall of Constantinople wrecked Italian Trade Brief outbreak of plague in the 1500’s The Wars Of Italy: 1494-1529: Naples and Papal States versus Milan Italian Wars opened door for invasion from France

Political States of Europe: France Ravaged by 100 years War Restoration of Monarchy: under Charles VII Promotion of a powerful military War upon Aristocratic intrigue under Louis XI: The Spider King

Political States of Europe: England Suffered catastrophic losses from Black Death Saw a devastating civil war: The War of the Roses (1455-1471) These disasters impacted trade, agriculture, and industry Lancarasterists won the W.O.R and were able to crush power of nobles and restore order. Evolution of parliament as a viable political institution Henry VIII inherited a peaceful nation in 1509

The War of the Roses

Ferdinand and Isabella Spain Style Spain remained independent kingdoms. A contrast to England and France Ferdinand and Isabella Finished “reconquista” Seized control of the Al-Andalus Empire Exploration By 1600 Spain had the largest Empire in the World. North American holdings. Gold! Inquisition Ferdinand and Isabella worked with Pope to establish an inquisition to make sure Spain was Christian. Anti-Semitism

Reached a high point under Philip II The Habsburgs Habsburgs took advantage of the hereditary nature of European political rule. Cleverly intermarried into control of several European areas, within the Holy Roman Empire Reached a high point under Philip II Habsburg Family