The Renaissance An Introduction

What makes someone a good leader? Make a list of five characteristics of good leaders.

Bell-ringer a renaissance man is a person with broad or varied knowledge of art science and culture

The Renaissance Means “Rebirth” Rebirth of what? Culture Art Science Ideas & Learning Renaissance begins in the late 1300s.

Question: What brought about the Renaissance? The Black Death and the Crusades

The Black Death (Plague) Europe experiences a massive decline in population Labor is hard to find (scarce) Towns and many serfs freed from feudal obligations Church’s influence declines Disrupts pattern of trade. (Sea Routes emerge)

Economic Effects of the Crusades Increased demand for Middle Eastern products Stimulated production of goods to trade in Middle Eastern markets Encouraged the use of credit (borrowing money) and banking.

Important Economic Concepts Church rule against usury and the bank’s practice of charging interest helped to secularize northern Italy. Letters of credit served to expand the supply of money and speed-up trade. New accounting and bookkeeping practices (use of Arabic numerals) were introduced.

Florence, Venice, & Genoa (Italy) Were initially independent city-states governed as republics. Had access to trade routes connecting Europe with Middle Eastern Markets. Served as trading centers for the distribution of goods to northern Europe

Impact of Crusades and Black Death Feudalism no longer works Growth of trading towns and cities Cities are free from feudal obligations Manorialism no longer works Not enough workers Demand for Middle Eastern Goods causes increase in trade

Humanism The study of humans and humanity Celebrated the individual Stimulated the study of Greek and Roman literature and culture Was supported by wealthy patrons (people who supported artists and writers)

Humanism (cont.) During Renaissance, people turn away from religion. Celebrates the here and now, don’t wait for the afterlife. People still believe in God. Religion just isn’t everything.