1. Renaissance & Reformation Unit
The Renaissance
Renaissance & Reformation Unit

2. Key Vocabulary
Renaissance- The “rebirth” of learning that took place after the Middle Ages
Humanism- Focused on human potential and achievements
Secular- “Worldly” and concerned with the here and now
Printing Press- Invented by Johann Gutenberg, it allowed for the mass production of books and printed material

3. Essential Question
How did the Renaissance change peoples values from the Middle Ages?

4. Warm Up
List characteristics of the ideal person.

5. The Renaissance Period
When did it begin?
What period preceded the Renaissance?
The Middle Ages
What’s the literal meaning of the Renaissance and what does it refer to?
“Rebirth”, and it refers to the rebirth of art and learning

6. Where did the Renaissance begin?
Northern Italy
Why did the Renaissance not move north right away?
The 100 Years War was ongoing until 1453.

7. Why was Italy and ideal place to start the Renaissance?
Thriving cities
Trade grew because of the Crusades and the need for large cities was very prevalent
New ideas were being exchanged in the city which leads to an “intellectual revolution”
Although the plague devastated many cities, the people who remained alive began to make more money and business opportunity was much better now

8. 2. Rich Merchant Class
Merchants didn’t inherit social rank, they had to earn it
Many merchants felt they deserved the power and wealth they created
“Individual achievement” became a very important part of the Renaissance. Why?
Medici family was very powerful in Florence! Cosimo was almost a dictator.

9. Classical Rome and Greek Heritage
Wanted to return this area to the “history and success” of Ancient Greece and Rome

10. How did Ancient Rome and Greece positively affect the developing Renaissance?
That time there was a focus on education, art, and architecture…this ideal spread the Renaissance.

11. What is Humanism? What is Humanism?
Focused on human potential and achievements (influenced artists and architects to carry on classical traditions).
What was the basic spirit of Renaissance society?
Secular (meaning “worldly” and concerned with the here and now).
Living in big mansions, throwing large banquets, and wearing expensive clothing.

12. How else did the Church and others support the Renaissance?
Artistically, they became “Patrons” or supporters of the arts
Merchants eventually also became big supporters as well!

14. Assessment Prompt 1
In one sentence, describe the role merchants played in the development of Humanism.

15. Northern Renaissance Italy
Made up of city-states and many sizable towns.
England and France
Strong governments and rulers who became patrons of the arts.
Had their own traditions and character.
French and English artists were more interested in religious ideas.

16. Famous Artists Albert Durer German artist
Portrayed mostly religious subjects
Jan Van Eyck
Flemish painter
Used oil-based paints
Used realistic detail

17. Peter Bruegal
Painted in realistic detail and individual people
Used rich colors, vivid details and balanced space

18. Northern Writers Try To Reform Society
Thomas More
Christian Humanist
Wrote “Utopia”
About the ideal place where greed, corruption, and war have been weeded out
Christine de Pizan
Wrote about the different treatment of boys and girls, particularly in education

19. The Elizabethan Age When Queen Elizabeth I reigned 1558-1603
Huge patron of arts
William Shakespeare
Most famous writer of Elizabethan Age
Playwright who examined human flaws

20. Assessment Prompt 2
Renaissance

21. Printing Press Invented by: Johann Gutenberg in 1440
What was the first thing that he produced on the printing press?
Gutenberg Bible in 1455 (first full sized book printed with movable type)

22. How did the printing press affect European society?
Very positively
More copies for everyone by 1500
Over 250 cities had printing press
People were learning to read because books were so accessible

23. How could the arrival of the printing press lead to religious reform?
More people could read and interpret the bible. They became more critical of the Church and its teachings.

24. Assessment Prompt 3
How did the invention of the printing press impact European society?

25. Journal
Answer the EQ: How did the Renaissance change peoples values from the Middle Ages?
Consider the following: Why do you think the Renaissance is known as a rebirth?
How did the Printing Press effect the people of Europe?
What is and who are patrons of the arts?
What role did Merchants play in the development of Humanism?