The Renaissance 1350 - 1600
- The "Young Adult-hood of the Western World"
- A period of incredible intellectual energy and artistic creativity.
- Growth of Humanism
- Humanists believed in the worth and dignity of the individual.
- Belief led to the rediscovery of the ancient classical culture
- by 1400 nearly all the Greek authors had been translated Plato, Aristotle, Homer, Aeschylus,
Sophocles, Euripides etc.
- Earthly fulfullment rather than medieval preparations for paradise.
- Virtu - excellence as a person. The Renaissance person - Masterful qualities and multiple abilities
Inventions:
- Printing - (invented in China in 756. )
- Movable type was invented in 1440s in Germany by Johannes Gutenberg.
- Books now available to the public. Spread of Ideas. Martin Luther.
- Gun Powder - (also invented in China in 1100).
- Changed warfare.
- No longer one on one.
- Distance
- Canons
- Magnetic Compass - Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) improved on the 12th century invention. (There was
also a compass invented in China.)
- Travel & exploration
- More accurate maps
- Proof that the world was not flat.
- Vast riches for the European countries - colonization
- Fascination with exploration (utopia)
- Oil Paint (formerly used pigment in egg)
The Reformation
- John Wycliffe (1320-84), Oxford scholar
- Questioned the need for a priestly heirarchy
- Translated the bible into the vernacular (English). Everyone could read it.
- Jan Huss opposed the sale of indulgences - (individuals could buy indulgences) burned at the stake in 1415
- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Stressed individuality, salvation and a knowledge of God. All can be accomplished without a church or
priestly intercessor.
- Other sects developed - No longer one religion
Counter-Reformation
- Papal response to Martin Luther. Council of Trent 1545 - 1563, reaffirmed every element of Roman
doctrine denounced by Luther. The church was reformed.
Effects of Reformation
- Break with the old world. The exclusive rule of the Roman Church was over.
- National Identity
- Education (divorce from the church)
- Religious independence
- Growth of capitalism ( a good protestant was to prosper)
Capitalism
- Individualism - anyone can succeed it depends only on their intellect and ability to work
- Successful individuals can do what they want - buy what they want
- In Medieval times products were made for an individual buyer. In capitalism products are made and then
sold. Need for stores.
- Rise in the standard of living - extra income
Increase of Sovereign Power
- Seemingly unlimited funds from explorations (Spanish monarch claimed 1/5th of all riches brought into
Spain)
- Money afforded great courts with great entertainment.
- Nobles pledged their allegience in order to take part
- The sovereign represented Order in a rapidly changing world.
- Protestantism had shattered the power of the Roman church
Freedom and an undercurrent of doubt and pessimism.