Unit 5 Renaissance and Reformation

Causes of the Renaissance Crusades The Crusades brought new goods, stimulating a rebirth of trade. New trade led to the growth of towns, the development of a middle class, and a greater use of money. The Great Famine Caused by unusually heavy rains over an 9 year period that spoiled crops and killed animals The shortage of grain caused inflation and millions died

Causes of the Renaissance The Black Death The Bubonic Plague, believed to be transported by fleas from rats, entered Europe from Asia on board trading ships. About one-third of Europe’s population died in 4 years. Some people claimed it was God’s punishment for sinful living. The Black Death caused a labor shortage in Europe, large numbers of peasants escaped serfdom when landowners and towns offered them freedom in exchange for work.

Causes of the Renaissance The Hundred Years War This war between France and England started when the English King claimed the French Throne. Effects of the Hundred Years War: - Royal power in both countries was strengthened - Each King developed a standing army instead of relying on the feudal service of nobles - New weapons were developed like the longbow, and later gunpowder and cannons were introduced - A greater sense of Nationalism, and loyalty to their king developed

Causes of the Renaissance The Great Schism The Pope often clashed with secular rulers. Kings sought to have control over Bishops and tax church lands a Frenchmen was elected Pope and moved the headquarters to Avignon, and the Papacy fell under the French King’s influence. In 1378 an Italian was elected Pope and moved the headquarters back to Rome. French Cardinals claimed the election was unlawful and elected another Pope to serve in Avignon. This “split” greatly weakened the power of the church.

I. The Italian Renaissance The word renaissance means rebirth Began in Italy & spread to the rest of Europe

Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance 1. Largely an urban society, a system in which cities are the center of political, economic & social life People had a secular, worldly view 2. Age of recovery from disasters of the 14 th century 3. New view of human beings emerged (Humanist)

Humanist Renaissance thinkers believed in the power of human reason to explain the world. They looked on man as the focus of all things. Humanists placed great emphasis on the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each person.

III. Machiavelli & the New Statecraft Niccolo Machiavelli The Prince How to acquire & keep political power

I. Italian Renaissance Humanism A key intellectual movement of the Renaissance was humanism Humanism was based on the study of the classics, the literary works of ancient Greece & Rome

Italian Renaissance Humanism Petrarch, called the father of Italian Renaissance humanism

The Artistic Renaissance in Italy Renaissance artists sought to imitate nature in their works Artists were developing a new world perspective Human beings became the focus of attention

Sculpture & Architecture Donatello, sculpture, copied the statues of the Greeks & Romans Saint George

Sculpture & Architecture Filippo Brunelleschi, architect New architecture in Florence, the church of San Lorenzo

Masters of the High Renaissance The High Renaissance in Italy is associated with 3 artistic giants, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, & Michelangelo Leonardo mastered the art of realistic painting & even dissected human bodies

Leonardo da Vinci

Masters of the High Renaissance Raphael, painted numerous madonnas (paintings of the Virgin Mary) Frescoe, School of Athens

Masters of the High Renaissance Michelangelo, painter, sculptor & architect Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome

This detail from the Sistine Chapel is titled The Creation of Adam.