RENAISSANCE CAUSES AND BACKGROUND...RENAISSANCE DEFINED 1 A rebirth; renewal 2.The great revival of art, literature and learning in Europe during the 14th, 15th, 16th centuries. OTHER

RENAISSANCERENAISSANCE

BACKGROUND, REASONS AND

TRADE.

SOURCESSOURCES

RENAISSANCE DEFINEDRENAISSANCE DEFINED

1 A rebirth; renewal

2.The great revival of art, literature and learning in Europe during the 14th, 15th, 16th centuries.

OTHER VIEWSOTHER VIEWSl Defining the Renaissance:

1. Boccaccio 14th century Italian - efforts to imitate poetic style of Romans

2. Vasari 1550 - return to ancient Roman manner of painting

3. Voltaire 1700's - great ages of human cultural achievements

4. Michelet and Burckhardt 1800's - a distinct historical period heralding the modern age

A.rise of individualB.scientific inquiryC.geographical explorationD.growth of secular values

5.20th century - a cultural and intellectual movement (music, art, literature)

ALLEGED CAUSES OF THE ALLEGED CAUSES OF THE RENAISSANCERENAISSANCE

1. Crusades

2. Printing press

ACTUAL CAUSE OF RENAISSANCEACTUAL CAUSE OF RENAISSANCE

THE BREAKDOWN OF MEDIEVAL SOCIETY

WHY DID THE RENAISSANCE WHY DID THE RENAISSANCE DEVELOP IN ITALYDEVELOP IN ITALY

1. Strong classical tradition

2. More secular culture

3. Impact of Byzantine and Islamic cultures

4. Strong overseas trade

5. Trade led to strong economies

LONG EXPLANATIONLONG EXPLANATION

A. Decay of Medieval Society1.Feudalism2. Church

B. Rise of a new constructive attitude toward the world/rebirth of human spirit=Renaissance.

1. Rebirth of Human spirit2. Delineation between the ancient and the

modern worlds3. Transformation of Med. Institutions4. Italy excelled in art and literature

l C.Italian Cities1. Centers of Med. Trade2. Largest towns in Europe during the Middle Ages3. Refined craftsa.Stone carversb.Goldsmiths

D. Merchants became lenders of money1. Popes2. Princes3. Merchants(they loved what money could buy)

E. More secular outlookF. Independent city-states1. Florence2. Venice3. Genoa4. Milan5. Rome

G. Great Schism meant little Church control, Italy offered an environment in which many facets of human personalities could develop.

CHANGES IN TRADE ROUTE

ITALIAN CITYITALIAN CITY--STATESSTATES