Renaissance & Politics “Getting out of the Dark Ages” Unit 3, SSWH 9 a & b

How did life change during the Renaissance and Reformation?

SSWH 9 a & b Explain the social, economic, and political changes that contributed to the rise of Florence and the ideas of Machiavelli. Identify artistic and scientific achievements of Leonardo da Vinci, the “Renaissance man,” and Michelangelo.

Renaissance “rebirth” – Revival of art & learning Europe suffered from both war & plague (Bubonic Plague “Black Death” - 25 million died) Survivors wanted to celebrate life & the human spirit People began questioning institutions: church & govt. Writers & artists began to express this new way of thinking (brought back classic ideas: Greek & Roman) New value: individual (medieval age: valued the community) p

Social & Economic Contributions Cities in Italy grew, Crusaders traveled through Pop. Down (plague): worker could demand higher wages Wealthy merchants (Burghers) developed & got into politics

Politics Merchants dominate politics, believed they deserved power & wealth Medici Family (bankers) ran Florence as a dictator (with the appearance of a democracy) Machiavelli, wrote “The Prince” & said people are fickle, selfish, & corrupt No morals, only concerned with what was effective - “The end justifies the means”

Renaissance Man Educated people, expected to create art Individuals tried to master all areas of study Young man should be charming, witty, & well educated in the classics, trained in/as a dancer, singer, poetry, rider, wrestler, & swordsman

Leonardo da Vinci Painter, sculptor, inventor, & scientist Interested in how things worked Famous: paintings Mona Lisa, The Last Supper p.414

Michelangelo Buonarroti Sculptor, poet, architecture, & painter Painted realistic portraits, concentrated on the body – used perspective Famous: painted the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, & statue of David p

Ticket Out the Door Why is the Renaissance considered a rebirth? Jot answer Prepare to share in one minute