The Renaissance and humanism

A new era... Famine and Epidemic The Bubonic Plague Decreased population

Renaissance Meaning: rebirth Began after the Middle Ages (1450-1600) Characterized by humanism

Humanism A philosophy that emerged during the Renaissance. It focused on human beings rather than God. Focused on the role of the individual in society and was inspired by ancient scholars.

Gutenberg’s Printing Press Gutenberg invented the printing press around 1440 No more copying by hand In 60 years, over 15 million copies were printed and distributed

Characteristics of Humanism

Return to Antiquity The knowledge of Greeks and Romans was rediscovered. It inspired philosophy, art, and science.

A New Vision for Humanity Humanists believed humans were conscious, free, and responsible for their own destiny. Humanity was the centre of the universe. Thomas More, author of Utopia

Knowledge and Education Humanists were interested in all areas of knowledge. They were critical thinkers and valued education.

Interest in Science Humanists wanted to understand human beings and nature. They developed a scientific method based on observation and experimentation.

Renaissance in Art

Andrea Palladio Return to ancient values is seen by the Greco-Roman architecture, the statues, and the building’s symmetry

Respect for physical proportions Verrocchio Respect for physical proportions Proper representation of religious theme shows the inspiration of ancient sculptures and importance of the human body

Leonardo da Vinci Use of perspective, sfumato and chiaroscuro techniques show a desire to develop new art styles

Botticelli Classical theme (Greco-Roman mythology) and proper body representation show importance of antiquity and the human body

Literature Using vernacular language became more common William Shakespeare Miguel de Cervantes

Music Polyphony Instrumental accompaniment

The Reformation and the Counter-Reformation Johann Buchenhagen, Johann Calvin, Johannes Hus, Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Johannes Oecolampad, Ulrich Zwingli

The Pope Acted like princes Wanted a lot of power and riches Lived in luxury and sin Fought rulers and conspired against them

Cardinals and Bishops Led similar lives to those of the pope Collected profits from the estates and communities under their authority

Parish Clergy Poorly educated and spiritually ill-prepared Did not respond to the people’s concerns

Simony Sale of Indulgences Sale of church services to believers (ie: sacraments) Paying the clergy or even the pope in order to be forgiven for sins.

Lutheran Church The Bible is the only link between Christians and God and should therefore be in vernacular languages. Did not recognize the cult of saints. Only faith makes salvation possible. Good works are just part of living in society. Only Baptism and Communion were observed sacraments.

Calvinist Church Salvation is only possible for those who are predestined. God is the only one who decides. Life should be strict, virtuous, honest, and moral.

Anglican Church The Monarch of England is the supreme head of this Church. It kept some Catholic ceremonies, a clergy, and a hierarchy. Priests can marry.

Counter Reformation

The Inquisition The Tribunal of the Inquisition arrests, trials, and torturing of heretics The Congregation of the Index finding and destroying books that went against Catholic beliefs

Founded by a former soldier, Ignatius of Loyola The Society of Jesus Founded by a former soldier, Ignatius of Loyola Aim of the Jesuits was to spread the Catholic religion and defend the Church

Council of Trent Published, in Latin, an official version of the Bible Defended indulgences and good works to earn salvation Clergy now had to remain celibate