Unit 2: The Renaissance E.Q. 1: What was the Renaissance, where and when did it begin, and why there?

The Renaissance was a period of renewed interest and remarkable achievements in art, literature, science and learning based on the classical civilizations. What was the Renaissance? Renaissance is the French word meaning “Re-birth”, referring to the rebirth of Classical thought and ideals of Greece and Rome

Where and when did it occur? It occurred in the city-states of Italy, especially Florence, around 1300 (14 th century)

Why in Italy? 1.Geographic Location – on Mediterranean Sea btwn. Europe and Middle East 2.Increased Wealth – Trade goods from Middle East – Development of banking families – Patron families who supported the arts 3.No strong tradition of feudalism – 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

What caused it to happen? Feudalism began to decline: The Black Death – Killed 1/3 Europe’s population – Caused decline in demand for food  allowed areas to specialize in other goods – Caused labor shortage among peasants  allowed them to demand more of lords

Feudal Lords Losing Power to National Kings & Townspeople Years of warfare – 100 Years War (England vs. France) – led to decline of feudal lords’ powers as people begin seeing themselves as part of larger nation Revival of trade and Town-life – Improvements in agriculture increase food supply – Peasants leaving the manors and going to towns

The Crusades, The Crusades Series of Holy Wars in Late Middle Ages that introduced Europe to new trade goods from Asia and “lost” knowledge of Greeks & Romans. This would spark a new economy and create a new view of the world in Europe