1. Act. 1.2 Europe’s Transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

2. The Black Death spread throughout Europe and killed 1/3 of the population from 1346-1352. It originated in Mongolia and spread to the Black Sea along the Silk Road. Bacteria was carried by fleas who lived on black rats. The rats boarded ships that brought trade goods to Europe. People couldn’t stop the spread of the Black Death because they were ignorant about its cause.

3. King Charles IV of France died in 1328 with no male heir. Two men attempted to claim the throne: Edward III of England, son-in-law of Charles IV and Philip of Valois, nephew of Charles. Joan was a young, French peasant woman who was inspired by God to save France. She convinced Charles VII to let her lead an army against the English in 1429. She helped push the English armies out of central France. She was captured, accused of heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431; she was sainted in 1922. Joan of Arc lead the French forces at the siege of Orleans in 1429 during the Hundred Years’ War.

4. Warfare changed: Longbows eliminated the advantages of armor. Warfare now included cannons and armies recruited from common people. People began to be more patriotic and devoted to their monarch. They build huge armies with taxes and eventually the power of the nobles are reduced…which ends feudalism.

5. Towns become the centers for trade and shipping Guilds dominated life and reflected the importance of Christianity in towns by contributing to the building of cathedrals and adopting patron saints

6. Town Life during the Middle Ages Towns were small Nobles had most of the power Status was determined by birthright Town Life during the Renaissance Towns grew because of commerce and the increased population in the cities Middle class had the most power Status was determined by wealth and ability

7. The Renaissance began in Italy. Renaissance means rebirth… referring to a revival in arts and learning. Scholars became interested in ancient Greek and Roman culture. Italian city-states displayed their wealth by giving financial support to artists who created works with classical themes. Florence became the most influential city-state Other important city-states were Milan and Venice.

8. Scholars thought ancient Greek and Roman writings would help solve problems Humanists devoted themselves to studying ancient writings. Petrarch, a Florentine, was the first great humanist. They believed that each person could achieve great things, that people educated in the classics could create a better world, and they emphasized human achievement on earth rather than the afterlife.