1. World History John Wheeler Nov. 29, 2010
The Renaissance
World History
John Wheeler
Nov. 29, 2010

2. The Italian Renaissance
Renaissance: Rebirth
A “rebirth” of Greek and Roman civilization.
Quickly spread throughout the rest of Europe from Italy.

3. 3 Reasons for Renaissance: Society
Sprouted in an Urban Society.
Italian city states took a secular (worldly) outlook on the things.
A new enjoyment in everything natural and manmade.

4. 2nd Reason: Recovery from the Black Death
Political instability
Church decline
Change and rebirth affected both politics and art.
Economy!!

5. 3rd Reason: New view of Humans and Sciences
“Men can do all things, if they will.”
- Leon Battista Alberti
Being a universal person – study everything!
Leonardo di Vinci: Painter, Sculptor, Architect, Inventor, Mathematician.

6. The Italian City States
Many areas of Italy remained independent of each other: Milan, Venice, Florence were the main lands.
Prospered from the Crusades…$$$
Trade!!

7. Milan
Francesco Sforza conquered the city after the last Visconti ruler died.
Led a group of mercenaries.
Created efficient tax system.

8. Venice Elected official – called a doge. Trade was major!!
Cool looking city…

9. Florence
Florence was a major city state and used their force on others.
Cosimo d’Medici was a major contributor to the arts.
Lorenzo d’Medici also looked over culture.
Savonarola accused Medici’s of corruption – overthrew them.
Savonarola is sentenced to death after major uproar.

10. The Italian Wars Be careful what you wish for.
French led an army into Northern Italy – attacked.
Italy asked for help from Spain – agreed.
Spanish weren’t paid and sacked Rome…

11. Niccolo Machiavelli “The Prince”
How to acquire – and keep – political power.
Power has nothing to do with being popular.
Must be acting on the best of the state – not one’s self.

12. The Printing Press
Johannes Gutenberg….first printed book:
The Bible