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The Renaissance. Mr. Hedrich World History. Objective. Describe developments in Italy and Northern Europe during the Renaissance period with respect to humanism, arts and literature, intellectual development, increased trade, and advances in technology. The Middle Ages. Darkness.
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The Renaissance Mr. Hedrich World History
Objective • Describe developments in Italy and Northern Europe during the Renaissance period with respect to humanism, arts and literature, intellectual development, increased trade, and advances in technology.
The Middle Ages • Darkness
An Exit From the Middle Ages • The Middle Ages saw numerous disasters in Europe • The Black Death made daily life scary and dangerous • People turned to God during these hard times, making the Church more powerful • People concerned with getting to heaven, not life on earth
Rebirth • Europe began to grow and prosper after the Black Death • Interest in individual ability began to increase • Increasing wealth in areas created new possibilities for enjoyment
The Renaissance • Renaissance Man
The Renaissance • Period of Western Europe history between the 14th and 17th centuries • The word “renaissance” means rebirth • Blended ancient Greece with modern engineering and art to create a new style • The Renaissance began in Italy • Spread through Europe
Why Italy? • Italy’s urban societies started turning to a secular view of the world • Brightest minds came • Italian thinkers became interested in their ancient Roman culture • Focus on individual ability • High regard for human worth • Well-rounded person was capable of many achievements • “A Renaissance Man” • New ideas largely accepted by the wealthy class
The Italian City-States • No strong central government • Italian city-states remained independent • City-states made riches from trade, artists guilds, and banks • Florence, Milan, Venice • Families and men ruled over their city-states • Used mercenaries to take/maintain control • Similar to mafia dons
Florence • Cultural center of Italy and birthplace of Renaissance • Controlled by the Medici family • Cosimo loved art and donated to the cause • Had money and political power
Renaissance Society • Nobility • Dominated society • Only 2 to 3% of population • Expected to have character and grace; classical education • Showed off achievements • Peasants and Townspeople • 85 to 90% of European population • Peasants were slowly gaining freedom • Townspeople saw new jobs • Artists, bankers, merchants • Poverty increased
New Thoughts on Power • Machiavelli • Wrote The Prince • How to acquire and keep power • Rejected the idea that a ruler must have Christian principles • Throw out moral principles • “…[men] are ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun danger and are greedy for profit.”
Machiavelli Continued • Qualities of a successful ruler/leader • Use violence to hold power • Respect private property and traditions of people • Can be excused from using violence
Machiavelli Continued • He believed that its best for a ruler to be both loved and feared • Find greater security in being feared • Religion is man-made and used to keep the masses in check • Prince should make his people religious • The end justifies the means • Anything is reasonable if it leads to an important and meaningful result • Has influenced many (Tupac Shakur)
Summary • Europe was coming out of the Middle Ages • Italy became the birthplace of a new found interest in art and individuality • Birthplace of Renaissance • Led to new thoughts on life, art, and science • Did not effect everyone