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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. The Crusades, 1096-1270 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