1. The English Renaissance 1485-1625 Renaissance = “rebirth”

2. View on life during the Renaissance: “Men can do all things if they will.” –Italian Architect, Leon Battista Alberti “Men can do all things if they will.” –Italian Architect, Leon Battista Alberti Humanity’s belief in its potential is growing and being explored. There is much creative energy & delight in discoveries. Humanity’s belief in its potential is growing and being explored. There is much creative energy & delight in discoveries. Literary, artistic, and intellectual development is valued Literary, artistic, and intellectual development is valued

3. Frame of reference A “Renaissance Man” is a person of broad education and interest whose curiosity knows no bounds. A “Renaissance Man” is a person of broad education and interest whose curiosity knows no bounds. Example- Leonardo da Vinci- painter, inventor, architect, engineer, & scientist. Example- Leonardo da Vinci- painter, inventor, architect, engineer, & scientist.

4. Frame of reference, continued Some important dates: Some important dates: –1492- Columbus sails ocean blue! Discovers “New World” –1505- da Vinci paints the Mona Lisa –1543- Copernicus theorizes that the sun is the center of the solar system, not the earth. –1558- Elizabeth I becomes Queen of England –1599- The Globe Theatre was built, where Shakespeare’s many plays would take place. –1609- Galileo invents the telescope.

5. Views on… World Exploration World Exploration –The development of the compass and astronomy advances allow explorers to travel the sea and not stick too close to the coasts. –The “age of exploration”… Crusades, etc. Religion Religion –Because Europeans are growing to understand the world in a deeper sense, they also begin to try to figure out “how to understand God.” –blind-faith in religion has died down; the new focus was on man’s place in this world Education Education –Universities at Oxford and Cambridge are expanded. –the printing press was invented, making it possible for more people to read. –almost everyone was writing and working in the vernacular: MODERN ENGLISH!! (yes, what we speak today)

6. England Under the Tudors Economic change Economic change Fear of civil strife Fear of civil strife

7. Henry VII & Henry VIII  Henry VII- Catholic, rebuilt nation’s treasury, established law and order Henry VIII- Catholic, wrote book against Luther, deemed “defender of the faith” by the Pope Henry VIII- Catholic, wrote book against Luther, deemed “defender of the faith” by the Pope -his good relationship with Catholic Church dissolved over Anne Boleyn

8. Next, Edward VI and Mary I Edward VI (Protestant)- King at 9 years old, died at 15 Edward VI (Protestant)- King at 9 years old, died at 15 Mary- turbulent return to Catholic Church, “Bloody Mary”- executed 300 Protestants (dies after 5 years- thank goodness) Mary- turbulent return to Catholic Church, “Bloody Mary”- executed 300 Protestants (dies after 5 years- thank goodness)

9. Elizabeth I Had a “Renaissance education”- Had a “Renaissance education”- skillful ruler, poet, linguist, musician & scholar Played Spain and France against one another to buy a time of peace for England (Spanish Armada- 1588) Played Spain and France against one another to buy a time of peace for England (Spanish Armada- 1588) Dies in 1603; unmarried “Virgin Queen”- won’t relinquish power to a husband from another country; she’s “married to England” Dies in 1603; unmarried “Virgin Queen”- won’t relinquish power to a husband from another country; she’s “married to England”

10. Elizabeth I (continued) Restores stability Restores stability Her one threat: Mary Stuart Her one threat: Mary Stuart –Some Catholics recognized Mary as rightful Queen; refuse to recognize Henry VIII’s remarriage Is found guilty on plots against Elizabeth; Parliament insists on execution Is found guilty on plots against Elizabeth; Parliament insists on execution

11. Literature Two major forms: Two major forms: –POETRY  Which is now lyric; expresses thoughts and feelings (as opposed to Anglo-Saxon/Medieval narrative; telling a story)  Pastoral poetry: idealizes the rustic simplicity of rural life (ex. Marlowe’s “The Passionate Shepherd…”)  Sonnet: A 14 line lyric poem written in iambic pentameter that has a theme (more to come later). –DRAMA  Major time for the playhouses; Globe Theatre  (will see in the next unit… Shakespeare’s Macbeth)