Modern World History December 2011 The Renaissance Modern World History December 2011

Basic Information Renaissance Time period between the years 1350 - 1600 Means “Rebirth” Of what? The Ancient Greek & Roman world

Major Characteristics of the Renaissance Urban Society City-states became very powerful political, economic and social centers Secular Viewpoint As wealth increased, it created new possibilities for material things People became more “worldly” Age of Recovery Recovery from disasters like: the Black Plague, political instability, and the decline of the church Emphasis on Individual Ability Realization that one person could be talented in many ways

Italian City States of Importance Milan 2 Families: Visconti & Sforza Families Worked hard to build a strong centralized state Created efficient tax system which led to enormous revenues Venice Linked Asia to Western Europe Its location drew traders from all over the world Became the Italian center of trade Florence Cultural center of Italy De ‘ Medici Family Controlled the government of Florence Briefly pushed out of power by Girolamo Savonarola Dominican preacher who ruled briefly but was pushed out because he was too strict on gambling, swearing & art

Society During the Renaissance Nobility a lot of new wealth was emerging Dominated society (advisors to the king & held political positions) Book “The Book of the Courtier” – by Baldassare Castiglione – 1528 Described the perfect noble as: Born, not made Possesses character, grace & talent 2 Skills: a) physical fitness and b) education & knowledge in the arts Show off achievements with grace Serve prince in an effective & honest way

Society During the Renaissance Peasants/Townspeople 80-90% of the population Serfdom was in decline – most people became legally free Townspeople = 8% of population Artisans & Merchants

Society During the Renaissance Urban Society Social Classes Patricians Dominated economics, politics and social life Wealth came from banking, trade & industry Burghers Shopkeepers, artisans, guild-masters Providers of goods & services Will eventually become the middle class Workers Earned pitiful wages Unemployed Miserable lives of begging & stealing to survive

Renaissance Family & Marriage Patriarchal Father’s ruled over wife & children Authority was final until death or freedom given in front of a judge Provided Great Security Urban life was scary & sometimes cruel The family provided safety & security Arranged Marriages Strengthened business or even family ties Contacts were worked out well in advance Sometimes as early as age 2 or 3 Dowry Sum of $ given by the wife’s family to husband Wife had no share in her husband’s wealth