The Renaissance

Renaissance “Renaissance” means “rebirth” Characterized by a flourishing of human spirit, curiosity, and creativity. Rediscovered the Greek and Latin languages through the old Greek and Roman classics. “Renaissance Man” - someone interested and active in all aspects of life (humanities, art, science, math, such as Leonardo da Vinci).

Renaissance - Key Ideas Expanding education through Greek and Roman classics Spread of humanism: attention to life here and now as well as eternal life for humanity The invention of the printing press, spread of scholarly Latin A growing, richer merchant class, with wealth from Age of Exploration, challenges the elite

It All Began in Italy: Italy gained influence and wealth from trading with Asia and the Mediterranean. The main religion in Europe at this time was Roman Catholicism. The church and its popes added to artistic endeavors by sponsoring/commissioning great artists of the day. Many Renaissance artists had an optimistic view of humanity; they believed that individual human beings in paintings were noble, near perfection.

The Rise of Humanism Looked to ancient Greek and Roman works to find principles on which to build a better life. Developed in reaction to an intellectual world that was centered on the Church and dominated on otherworldly concerns. Secular outlook, but not anti-religious; sought to combine the two. Used combined philosophies to teach about how to live, how to rule

The Rise of Humanism Humanists asked 3 questions about life: 1.What is a human being? (human potential) 2.What is a good life? (value and goodness of human beings) 3.How do I lead a good life? (human reason)

English Humanists Sir Thomas More British lawyer who rose in government stature Wrote Utopia in 1516 (analyzing social, economic, penal, moral problems within Great Britain and a narrative describing "utopia “ ) A “ utopia ” is an impractical perfect image of society Beheaded after dispute with friend Henry VIII More ’ s effect on the world included being admired for his ethics; he is admirable to modern lawyers.

Two Friends — Two Humanists Desiderius Erasmus (1466?-1536) Best known Renaissance humanist Monk, traveled the world, taught Greek, loved classics Loyal to the Church, yet saw its shortcomings

The New Technology: Changing Society Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in about 1455 Increased the speed, availability of printed materials Bible was most popular and widespread text.

The Reformation Church reformers rejected authority of Pope and Italian churchmen. Final break with the Roman Church occurred in England in British resented rule by the Vatican because of patriotism/national identity, church taxes, and protestant ideas. Martin Luther contributed to the Reformation because he founded principles of self- interpretation of Bible & rejection of the Pope, a public movement towards a new denomination.

Henry VIII versus Pope: All for an Heir Conflict began when Henry's marriage to Catherine required a special dispensation (for marrying his dead brother’s wife). Henry VIII’s motives for annulling his marriage to Catherine: 1.She was old and plain and couldn't bear a son. 2.Henry had his (pregnant) mistress Anne Boleyn, who he wanted to marry. Henry’s response to the Pope’s refusal to grant an annulment: – Formally broke from Catholic Church and Pope – Established state Church of England, with King and Archbishop of Canterbury as heads. When Thomas More stood up to Henry VIII he was beheaded. This event began the Protestant Reformation because a new church had broken with Catholic Church; it opened the way for other Protestant denominations in England.

Beheaded. Anne Boleyn Divorced. Catherine of Aragon 1 Died. Jane Seymour 3 Divorced. Anne of Cleves 4 Beheaded. Catherine Howard 5 Survived!! Catherine Parr 6

Henry VIII: Renaissance Man and Executioner Considered to be a “Renaissance Man” - interested poetry, music, art, architecture, athletics, hunting, and humanism. Henry’s surviving children (in order of birth): Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Edward VI. Edward VI: The Boy King Intelligent but sick and weak Ruled in name only (died at age 15). Bloody Mary Devout Catholic Married Spanish king Allied herself with the Pope Persecuted Protestants ( ) ( )

Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen First task - restore law and order by reestablishing Church of England Kept peace with Spain by pretending to plan on marrying her sister's widower Never married; would be stronger as an independent queen, she would not be subservient to a husband Cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, was next in line for the throne and plotted to kill Elizabeth Responded to Mary’s plot by ordering her cousin’s house arrest and eventual beheading The Spanish Armada Sinks: King Phillip of Spain used the execution of Mary Queen of Scots as an excuse to attack England In 1588, the English Royal Navy defeated the Spanish Armada. Turning point in English history

Elizabeth I (reigned ) Elizabeth I (reigned ) symbol of peace, security, prosperity, and culture

Decline of the Renaissance Post-Elizabeth Political Climate: characterized by weak leadership, eroded Renaissance values, and the end of English Renaissance. James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots (and Elizabeth’s second cousin) succeeded her on the throne. Lacked Elizabeth’s strong character Bad with money, awkward, a foreigner. Greatest accomplishment  The King James Bible. Charles I Perceived by subjects as tyrannical absolute monarch Beheaded by his subjects in 1649 Charles II Last great writer of the Renaissance was John Milton. (Think: Paradise Lost)

The Family of Henry VIII Philip of Spain Mary I Henry VIII Edward VI Elizabeth I “War” “Peace” & “Plenty”