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The Renaissance

The Renaissance. World History I. Background on the Renaissance. The Renaissance lasted from approx. 1400-1700 AD. After taking over China, the Mongols reopened the Silk Road. Trade was re-established between China and Europe. Ideas from China were spread to Europe.

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The Renaissance

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  1. The Renaissance World History I

  2. Background on the Renaissance • The Renaissance lasted from approx. 1400-1700 AD. • After taking over China, the Mongols reopened the Silk Road. • Trade was re-established between China and Europe. • Ideas from China were spread to Europe.

  3. Background on the Renaissance • The Renaissance represented a wake up call for the people of Europe. • They wanted to return Europe to its former glory. • ROME = GOOD MIDDLE AGES = BAD • Marco Polo, an Italian, traveled to China in the 1200s. • He wrote stories about what he saw. • Europeans realized there were amazing things in the world. • They were inspired to create new things.

  4. The Italian Renaissance • Renaissance – rebirth • The people of Italy felt they were seeing a rebirth of the Greek and Roman worlds. • Characteristics of the Renaissance • Urban society. • As the middle ages progressed, city-states became the center of Italian life. • A secular, or worldly viewpoint emerged. • Age of recovery from disasters of the 14th century. • This led to an increase in interest in classical culture. • A new view of human beings emerged. • There was a high regard for human worth.

  5. The Italian States • Italy failed to develop a strong monarchial state during the Middle Ages. • Milan was a major trading city in northern Italy. • It was conquered Francesco Sforza and his army of mercenaries. • Mercenary – soldiers who sell their services to the highest bidder. • Venice was a wealthy trading city in northern Italy. • Venice served as a link between Asia and western Europe. Francesco Sforza

  6. The Italian States, cont. • Florence was the cultural center of Italy. • Under the leadership of the Medici family, Florence was victorious in a series of small wars, establishing a successful state. • The Medici family were wealthy bankers who ruled Florence. • They paid many of the Renaissance artists. • The Italian Wars • Italy came under attack by France in 1494. • Spain helped Italy and Italy became a battleground. • Spanish soldiers and mercenaries, unhappy about not being paid sacked and looted Rome. • Spain was the dominant force in Italy.

  7. Machiavelli • The Italians love for political power was illustrated by Niccolo Machiavelli. • Machiavelli wrote The Prince, one of the most influential political works in the western world. • Theme: How to get and keep political power. • According to The Prince a prince: • Must understand human nature • Should not be restricted by moral principles • Be willing to let his “conscience sleep”

  8. Renaissance Society • Renaissance society was divided up into three estates. • Estate – social class • The Nobility • Only 2-3% of the population • Nobles dominated society (held political positions) Characteristics of a noble: • Born, not made • Performed military and physical exercises • Classical Education • Standard of conduct • The aim of a noble – To serve his prince in an effective and honest way.

  9. Renaissance Society, cont. • Peasants and Townspeople • 85-90% of the Renaissance population • There was a social order among the peasants & townspeople. • Patricians • Wealthy, Dominated their towns • Burghers • Shopkeepers, artisans, guildmasters • Workers • Earned pitiful wages doing menial jobs • Made up 30-40% of urban population • Marriages were arranged by parents. • Dowry- the sum of money given by the wife’s family to the husband

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