1. Renaissance, Reformation, and enlightenment
The Background to the Birth of a Nation

2. The Renaissance Began in the 13th century with the emergence of Dante
Or in the 15th century with the fall of Constantinople
Depends on whether its beginning is measured by art (perfect understanding of anatomy and perspective) or warfare (end of the age of chivalry, armor replaced by quick-moving troops, long bowmen replace lancers and swordsmen, development of gunpowder)
Continues through the Reformation and into the 17th and 18th centuries
Ends with the beginnings of the Enlightenment and growth of nationalism

3. Art of the Middle Ages

4. Renaissance Art Movement away from 2-dimensional flat aspect
Study of human anatomy and movement
Concentration on life of people rather than solely religious subjects

5. Michelangelo
The Pieta

6. Leonardo da Vinci
“Images of a Fetus”

7. Durer
Wing of a Hooded Crow

8. Bosch
The Crucifixion

9. Fra Angelico
The Annunciation

10. Literature of the Renaissance
Drama written in poetic form (Shakespeare, for example)
Beginnings of the novel in Spain and France, as well as Germany (witness Miguel de Cervantes)
Use of older works of literature as basis for new works—histories, early plays, Greek and Latin works
Political works, including satires of chivalry and plays written to further political causes

11. William Shakespeare Best-known author of the English Renaissance
Produced 39 verifiable or attributed plays
Was a prolific poet as well

12. Miguel de Cervantes
Best known as the author of Don Quixote de la Mancha
Written as a satire of the age of chivalry
Written while author was imprisoned for tax evasion, among other things

13. Protestant Reformation
Partially one fallout from the Black Death, which killed approximately one fourth to one third of the European population
Brought about by that catastrophe, which helped to spur economic diversification (new jobs), technological innovation (printing press among other things), the growth of cities, and the growth of universities
Universities encouraged questions—and the questioning of authority, including that of the Church (Catholic, that it) and the Pope
Enter Martin Luther, a Catholic monk who questioned corruption within the Church

14. 1517—95 Theses
Indulgences and Pardons

15. Luther advocated Salvation based on “faith alone”
Salvation based on “scripture alone”
Priesthood “of all believers”
End of corruption, specifically pardons and indulgences
Luther was excommunicated for his efforts and that action began the Protestant Reformation.
Read Protest (ant) Re-formation, or the protest against corruption and re-formation of Christianity

16. The Enlightenment
Basic idea was to promote the advancement of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge
Sparked by Isaac Newton and John Locke, among others
Argued for by Kant and Descartes (philosophers), among others
Philosophical ideas grew out of a separation of society from religion begun by the Reformation and the growth of science and breaking away from despotic (read: dictatorial) monarchs