1. The English Renaissance

2. Dramatic shifts in human values and perception:
Began in 14th century Italy, came to England I 1485 when Wars of the Roses ended
Religion and afterlife --- human life on earth
Delight in art/literature
Beauty of nature
New sense of mastery over the world

3. Historically… Political instability Establishing claims in New World
Henry VIII: Protestant Reformation, 1534 Church of England, or Anglican Church
Edward VI: Book of Common Prayer
“Bloody” Mary: persecution of Protestants

4. Elizabethan era: Renaissance reached full flower
Unprecedented prosperity and international prestige
Avoided costly overseas wars
Reestablished the independent Church of England

5. Reinterpretation of Europe’s pre-Christian past:
Using the arts and philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome as models for achievements

6. Creative energy expanded boundaries:
Scientific, Geographical, and Philosophical boundaries of medieval world
Questioned timeworn truths
Challenged authority

7. New emphasis placed on individual
Development of human potential
“Renaissance man”—ideal man, many-faceted person who cultivated his innate talents to the fullest