NORTHERN RENAISSANCE Politics and the State

More of a blend of old and new Studied Greek and Hebrew texts for a greater understanding of Christianity Northern humanists interpreted Italian ideas in terms of their own traditions. They were more religious They stressed the Bible and early Christian themes They developed an ethical way of life Classical and Christian cultures should be combined They had a profound faith in the human intellect People could be improved through education

Northern Humanists In Germany: Western and southern Germany were economically advanced 14th century - mystics like Thomas a Kempis believed the human soul could communicate with God They did not rebel against the Church but wanted a deeper religion

In England Moore was trained as a lawyer Deeply interested in the classics Entered government under Henry VIII Wrote Utopia where all children receive a humanist education.

Moore believed private property caused vices and civil disorder Lost his life to maintain his convictions

Low Countries Erasmus had a deep appreciation for the classics Most well-respected man in Europe Wrote The Education of a Christian Prince and The Praise of Folly Critical of the church without wanting to get rid of it

15th and 16 Century Monarchs The New Monarchs 15th and 16 Century Monarchs

‘new monarchs’ A new breed of leaders - ruthless, preferred security to love Outside of Italy they were actively building states They used the monarchy to guarantee law and order The despots of Italy, Henry VII of England, Louis XI of France, Ferdinand of Aragon All Machiavellian (but could not have read The Prince) They tended to rely on the new middle class (bourgeoisie) Saw their job as linking all classes within a national boundary (beginnings of the State)

Characteristics of the New Monarchies They offered the institution of monarchy as a guarantee of law and order. They proclaimed that hereditary monarchy was the legitimate form of public power  all should accept this without resistance. They enlisted the support of the middle class in the towns (bourgeoisie) tired of the local power of feudal nobles. They would have to get their monarchies sufficiently organized & their finances into reliable order.

Characteristics of the New Monarchies They would break down the mass of feudal, inherited, customary, or “common” law in which the rights of the feudal classes were entrenched. The kings would MAKE law, enact it by his own authority, regardless of previous custom or historic liberties  What pleases the prince has the force of law!

England (The Tudors)  stability under the Tudors France (The Valois) consolidation of power. Spain (Ferdinand and Isabella)  unification by marriage. HR Empire (A Mess) different model: the cost of decentralization.

FRANCE Charles VII revived the monarchy expelled the English increased the influence of the middle class strengthened finances through taxes like salt (gabelle) and land (taille) created first permanent royal army by the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (1438) asserted French Church supremacy over the papacy crown could appoint bishops

The Valois Dynasty in France

France in the 15c – 16c

Louis XI His son, Louis XI (Valois) was a Renaissance prince Promoted industry improved the army signed international treaties The Estates General met only once during his reign 1516 Francis I signed the Concordat of Bologna which rescinded the Pragmatic Sanction - king could appoint bishops (keeping France Catholic)

ENGLAND Decimated by the Black Death The Tudors (1485-1603) won War of the Roses They passed laws against nobles having standing armies Henry VII promoted peace and order by encouraging trade The monarch did not depend on government for money Royal Council (Star Chamber) was the center of authority and operated under Roman Law accused people were not entitled to see the evidence against them sessions were in secret torture was often used there were no juries

The Tudors of England

SPAIN Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon married (1469) and united the regions Restructured the royal council - excluded the rich and powerful The church was the linchpin of the reform. Alliance with the Spanish pope Alexander VI Spanish monarchs gained great power and a national church Reconquista (1492) - expulsion of the Jews and Moors from Spain, lasted over 100 years inquisition - the ruthless court that decided if conversos (the converted) were telling the truth later used against the Protestants

Charles V Ferdinand and Isabella expelling all Jews from Spain had major economic consequences Absolute religious orthodoxy and pure blood were the foundation of Spain Ferdinand and Isabella’s daughter Joanna married Philip. Their son was Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. Charles V - the ‘Universal Monarch’

Germany Part of the Holy Roman Empire Local lords recognized the supremacy of the Emperor, who was elected by 7 Electors 1452 Archduke of Austria (Habsburg) was elected Emperor Maximilian I (1493-1519) He married the heiress of the Duke of Burgundy Their son, Philip married Mad Joanna, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella Their son was Charles V

The Habsburg Dynasty

Ferdinand & Isabella of Spain The Madonna of the Monarchs

Kingdoms of Spain: 1492

Women - The status of upper-class women declined - women generally had less power than in the Middle Ages - Renaissance humanism represented an educational advance for a small minority. - Women had to choose marriage or education - Education brought jealousy and envy - Girls in the upper-class were taught how to dance, paint, and play music - they were decorative - Women belonged at home - Educational opportunities were severely limited Literary and art works had no effect on ordinary women - Women were a sign of wealth.