Unit 2: The Renaissance E.Q. 1: What was the Renaissance? Where and When did it begin? Why there?
The Renaissance was … a rebirth of interest and remarkable achievements in art, literature, science and learning. What was the Renaissance?
Where and when did it occur? The city-states of Italy, especially Florence, around 1300 (14 th century)
WHY ITALY? 1.Geographic Location – On Mediterranean Sea --- btwn. Europe and Middle East 2.Wealth from Trade – Desirable goods from Middle East – Banking families (Medici & Borgia) – Patron families who supported the arts 3.Not as feudal – Italy more urban during Middle Ages – Town govt. structure with merchant class 4.Classical Heritage – Birthplace of ancient Roman Empire – Great pride in Classical culture
How did it Happen? Feudalism Declined: The Black Death Killed 1/3 Europe’s population Caused decline in demand for food areas could now specialize in other goods Caused labor shortage among peasants could now demand more of lords The Bubonic Plague
Feudal Lords vs. Kings & Townspeople Years of warfare Years of warfare – The 100 Years War – The 100 Years War (England vs. France) nationalism – decline of feudal lords’ powers as people begin seeing themselves as part of larger nation nationalism Revival of trade and Town-life Revival of trade and Town-life – Improved agriculture increased food supply – Peasants leave manors and go to towns/cities
The Crusades, Series of Holy Wars in Late Middle Ages that introduced Europe to: 1.new trade goods 2.“lost” knowledge of Greeks & Romans. This would spark a new economy and create a new view of the world in Europe Christian Crusaders
REVIEW 1.The Renaissance means __________ and was a period of interest in ….? 2. It began in the location of ……? 3. When did the Renaissance begin…? 4. Give at least 2 reasons for why it occurred where it did. 5. List 3 reasons for the decline of feudalism; then explain how one of these worked to weaken the feudal system.