RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION

The Italian Renaissance Renaissance means “rebirth” Began in Italy and spread to rest of Europe Three general characteristics: ◦ Renaissance Italy was a largely urban society ◦ This was a period of recovery from the disasters of the 14 th century ◦ A new view of human beings emerged that emphasized individual ability

Italian States Milan ◦ One of the richest city-states ◦ Efficient tax system, with growing revenues Florence ◦ Established as a major city-state after a series of wars with neighbors Venice ◦ Drew traders from all over the world ◦ This made Venice an international power

Italian Wars King of France, Charles VIII led an army to Italy in 1494 The Italian states turned to Spain for assistance Spain and France fought in Italy for thirty years Rome was eventually sacked by a mob of Spanish soldiers This ended the war

Renaissance Society Nobility ◦ Made up 2-3% of the population ◦ Held most important political posts Peasants and Townspeople ◦ 85-90% of the population ◦ During the s, their level of poverty increased dramatically Family and Marriage ◦ Arranged marriages ◦ Included a dowry ◦ Father-husband was the center of the family

Humanism Based on the study of the literary works of ancient Greece and Rome Humanists study grammar, rhetoric, poetry, philosophy and history Petrarch is known as the father of Renaissance humanism

Italian Renaissance Art Sought to imitate nature Reality in their subjects New techniques in painting emerged: Frescos, three dimensions, realistic portrayal of the individual Famous Renaissance Artists: Raphael, Michelangelo, da Vinci

Christian Humanism Major goal was to reform the Catholic Church Believed in the ability of humans to reason and improve themselves Believed that in order to improve society, humans must first be improved

WHY WAS REFORM NEEDED? 1. Corruption in the church 2. Leaders of the church were failing to meet their responsibilities 3. Indulgences were being sold

Martin Luther Monk in Germany Believed that humans were saved by their faith in God October 31, 1517, Luther sent a list of ninety-five theses to his church superiors explaining the abuses of the church People throughout Germany read the document By 1520, Luther had begun to make a definite break with the Church Luther’s doctrine became known as Lutheranism and his churches Lutheran churches