1. Modern World History December 2011
The Renaissance
Modern World History
December 2011

2. Basic Information Renaissance
Time period between the years
Means “Rebirth”
Of what?
The Ancient Greek & Roman world

3. Major Characteristics of the Renaissance
Urban Society
City-states became very powerful political, economic and social centers
Secular Viewpoint
As wealth increased, it created new possibilities for material things
People became more “worldly”
Age of Recovery
Recovery from disasters like: the Black Plague, political instability, and the decline of the church
Emphasis on Individual Ability
Realization that one person could be talented in many ways

4. Italian City States of Importance
Milan
2 Families: Visconti & Sforza Families
Worked hard to build a strong centralized state
Created efficient tax system which led to enormous revenues
Venice
Linked Asia to Western Europe
Its location drew traders from all over the world
Became the Italian center of trade
Florence
Cultural center of Italy
De ‘ Medici Family
Controlled the government of Florence
Briefly pushed out of power by Girolamo Savonarola
Dominican preacher who ruled briefly but was pushed out because he was too strict on gambling, swearing & art

5. Society During the Renaissance
Nobility
a lot of new wealth was emerging
Dominated society (advisors to the king & held political positions)
Book “The Book of the Courtier” – by Baldassare Castiglione – 1528
Described the perfect noble as:
Born, not made
Possesses character, grace & talent
2 Skills: a) physical fitness and b) education & knowledge in the arts
Show off achievements with grace
Serve prince in an effective & honest way

6. Society During the Renaissance
Peasants/Townspeople
80-90% of the population
Serfdom was in decline – most people became legally free
Townspeople = 8% of population
Artisans & Merchants

7. Society During the Renaissance
Urban Society
Social Classes
Patricians
Dominated economics, politics and social life
Wealth came from banking, trade & industry
Burghers
Shopkeepers, artisans, guild-masters
Providers of goods & services
Will eventually become the middle class
Workers
Earned pitiful wages
Unemployed
Miserable lives of begging & stealing to survive

8. Renaissance Family & Marriage
Patriarchal
Father’s ruled over wife & children
Authority was final until death or freedom given in front of a judge
Provided Great Security
Urban life was scary & sometimes cruel
The family provided safety & security
Arranged Marriages
Strengthened business or even family ties
Contacts were worked out well in advance
Sometimes as early as age 2 or 3
Dowry
Sum of $ given by the wife’s family to husband
Wife had no share in her husband’s wealth