Mar 27, 2015
The Renaissance was a time where… Classical Greco-Roman ideas
were revivedThese ideas were preserved through the middle ages by the Byzantine Empire.
Wealthy Patrons supported the arts and education
Humanism spread throughout Western Europe.
Humanism
An age of reborn interest in the arts, education, and the classical culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
The Beginning
The Renaissance began in Italian cities because of their access to trade routes.
Trade brought wealth to Italy
Printing Press
Important Advancements Printing Press
Helped develop…○1. Increase in literacy rates○2. Secular (World) ideas
spread○3. Books are circulated to
publicEx. Shakespeare’s sonnets
The Church
Many of the new ideas and enlightened thinkers during the Renaissance period challenged the authority of the Church.
Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther – A German Monk Challenges the practices of the
Roman Catholic ChurchWrote the 95 Theses to criticize
indulgences.Believed the Bible should be the
authority of the church.Believed people are right with God
through faith – not works.
Protestant Ideas Spread
Martin Luther rejects the pope’s authority
As a result, Protestant sects spread throughout Europe
King Henry VIII of England breaks away from the Catholic Church
Response-
The Roman Catholic Church threatened Luther to take back his ideas and criticism of the Church.
The Church also challenged several other enlightened thinkers.
Scientific Revolution
Galileo Galilei was threatened to be killed by the Church if he did not take back his discoveries.
Age old beliefs, like the earth being the center of the universe, were proven wrong through inventions like the telescope.
Roman Inquisition pressuring Galileo
A Political Change in England The Magna Carta was signed by
King John This document limited the powers
of the King (Monarch) The Magna Carta would later be
used to guarantee rights to all people.
English Parliament
The Parliament was made up government officials who represented the people.
The Parliament would later help balance the power of the King
Petition of Right in 1628
King had to follow same laws as citizens
Can only be taxed with representation
Can only be put in prison with a lawful reason
English Bill of Rights
Stated the king would share power with Parliament
Stated the rights granted to all citizens
Enlightenment 1600-1700s Time of intellectual debate and
growth Increased study of individual
rights (all should have individual rights)
These Ideas inspired the American & French Revolution
Revolution
A quick turn around or change in a government system or organization.
American & French Revolutions inspired others to seek independence
John Locke
Wrote Two Treatises of government
Believed governments should protect the natural rights of life, liberty, & Property
Government based on consent of people
Montesquieu
Wrote the Spirit of the Laws Believed government should
have a separation of powers Government should have
checks and balances
Rousseau
Wrote The Social Contract
Believed the government shouldn’t violate individuals’ rights by law.