Download Origins of the Rensaissance

SOL.2-Renaissance
Irwin-Student Handouts
The World in 1500 AD
SOL 2-The Student will demonstrate an understanding of the political, cultural, and
economic conditions of the world about 1500 AD by:
a) locating major states and empires
b) describing artistic, literary, and intellectual ideas of the Renaissance
c) analyzing major trade patterns;
d) citing major technological and scientific exchanges in the Eastern
Hemisphere.
The Origins of the Renaissance

The Renaissance began around 1300 A.D. and lasted until around
1600 A.D.
o It was a time of cultural awakening for Europe

Renaissance: “Rebirth”. Gateway to modern times. Transition
period from Medieval to Modern Worlds.
o Renaissance writers felt that the Middle Ages had nothing to
contribute to society.

The Renaissance was also a time of reforming education. People
began to develop new ideas about self and the world around them.

Origins were in the northern Italian city-states
o Because Italy was not united, individuals could pursue their
ideas with more freedom.

5 City-States of Italy: Milan, Florence, Venice, Papal States
(Rome), and Naples
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SOL.2-Renaissance

Irwin-Student Handouts
Italy was culturally and economically more prepared for the
Renaissance because :
1) no central authority/ individual freedoms
2) center of international trade
Humanism:

Italy was a good place for Humanists to study because:
1) Believed in the revival of classic Greek and Latin literature.
2) Connected with the Byzantine Empire through trade. They preserved
learning of the Ancient Greeks.

Humanists believed learning about the “classics” was the key to
reforming society (Society was in need of reform because of the
“Dark Ages”.

Early Humanists were orators, poets, and writers.
o They studied original manuscripts….similar to studying
primary sources today.

Humanists thought that Greek and Roman ideals would help
people seek daily fulfillment. This was opposed to the Middle Ages
where people expected little comfort in this life.
Education in the Renaissance
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SOL.2-Renaissance

Irwin-Student Handouts
Humanists believed the individual had self-dignity and worth to
society.
o Consequently, they strongly supported education for
everyone.

3 Aspects of Renaissance Education:
1) People should lead a meaningful life. Studying the “classics” could
make it meaningful
2) Instead of working for the next life, work for this one.
3) Individual should push ones self mentally and physically.

The independent mindset that developed during the
Renaissance manifested itself in all areas of life.
New Social Orders of the Renaissance

Italy developed a new social class based on wealth and ability
(not birth)

Merchants and bankers were the most powerful people in Italy
during this period.
Why? Trade. Merchants and Bankers gained wealth through trade
and used their money to fund the spread of new ideas.
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SOL.2-Renaissance

Irwin-Student Handouts
Consequently, these wealthy people supported Writers,
Artists, and Scientists
Why were independent merchants able to have so much influence in Italy
during this time? They worked outside of the church’s influence. (citystate structure allowed them to do so)
Key Italian City-States
Florence-

Florence was ruled by the Medici Family
o They were incredibly wealthy and sponsored artists,
philosophers, and writers.
Rome- By 1500 A.D. replaced Florence as the leading Renaissance city.

Various Popes rebuilt churches in the city of Rome.

St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Venice- Wealthiest state. Funded the advancement of new ideas.
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