The Renaissance

1. The Renaissance 1485-1660

2. The Spirit of Rebirth • Renaissance – a French word meaning “rebirth” • Renewed interest in classical learning, the writings of ancient Greece and Rome • A renewal of the human spirit, of curiosity and creativity

3. A Flourish of Genius • Began in Italy • Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Christopher Columbus, Galileo, etc. • Catholic Church was very rich and powerful, even in political affairs • Optimistic view of humanity was expressed by many Renaissance artists

4. Humanism • Tried to answer questions like “What is a good life?” and “How do I lead a good life?” • Sought to harmonize the Bible and the classics, using the classics to strength (not discredit) Christianity

5. The New Technology • Gutenberg invented the printing press • Before the printing press, books were written out by hand (difficult process, expensive to purchase, and few books were available)

6. The Reformation • Rejected the authority of the pope and the Italian churchmen • Feelings of patriotism and national identity made the English resent the financial burdens placed on them by the Vatican • Martin Luther – founded a new kind of Christianity, based on a personal understanding of the Bible instead of on what the pope said

7. King Versus Pope • King Henry VIII asked for a divorce from his wife of 24-years • theoretical reason – she had previously been married to his brother • real reasons – she was too old to give him a male heir and he wished to marry Anne Boleyn • Pope refused because he was controlled by the queen’s nephew. • Henry VIII appointed a new archbishop and declared himself head of the English (Anglican) Church.

8. The Protestant Reformation • Many people were dissatisfied with the new church because it wasn’t reformed enough – it was merely a copy of Catholicism. • Some said that religion was solely a matter between the individual and God

9. Henry VIII • Had six wives: • Divorced, beheaded, died divorced, beheaded, survived • Fooled around, but couldn’t tolerate any suspicion of his wives’ fidelity • Was an important figure and deserves the title of Renaissance man • Survived by three legitimate children – Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward

10. The Boy King and Bloody Mary • At age 9, Edward began to rule in name only. Died of tuberculosis. • Mary was Catholic and determined to avenge the wrongs done to her mother. • Restored the pope’s power in England and ruthlessly hunted down Protestants • Burned about 300 subjects at the stake • Married the king of Spain, a country England was beginning to fear and hate

11. Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen • One of the most brilliant and successful monarchs in history • Reestablished the Church of England and rejected the pope’s authority • Resisted marriage and officially remained “the Virgin Queen” because her strength lay in her independence and her ability to play one suitor off another.

12. A True Daughter • Survived many plots against her life, several of which were initiated by her cousin, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (heir to England’s throne) • Elizabeth (after 20 years of plots against her life) had Mary beheaded

13. The Spanish Armada • King Philip of Spain used Mary’s execution as an excuse to invade England with the Spanish Armada • England’s Royal Navy destroyed the Spanish Armada, assuring England’s independence from the Catholic countries

14. A Dull Man Succeeds a Witty Woman • Elizabeth (childless) was succeeded by James VI of Scotland, aka James I of England (son of Mary Stuart) • He tried hard – patronized Shakespeare, sponsored a new translation of the Bible, and was a peaceful ruler – but couldn’t follow in Elizabeth’s footsteps.

15. The Decline of the Renaissance • Charles I, who reigned after James I, was beheaded by some of his subjects • Parliament and Puritan dictator Oliver Cromwell ruled for the next 11 years • Scientific truths were soon to challenge long-accepted religious beliefs.