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

2. deadly plague spread across Europe 1346-52
Caused by form of bacteria
3 forms
Lungs, bloodstream, buboes
Originated in Mongolia – Silk Road
Carried by fleas
Trade ships
1st appeared in Genoa or Sicily
Ignorant about its cause
Tried ineffective cures
1/3 – 2/3 population killed
Forced farmers to diversify crops
Peasants revolted demanded more freedom
Working class moved to cities for better wages
Reduced power of feudal lords

3. French King Charles IV dies 1328 w/o male heir
Two men want throne
Ed III of England, son-in-law
Philip of Valois, nephew
French peasant inspired by God to save France
Convinced Charles VII to lead army against English 1429
Pushed English out of central Fr.
Caught, burned, sainted in 1922.
Longbows eliminated benefits of armor
Cannons used to blast holes in castles
Monarchs used armies recruited from common people
People became more patriotic, devoted to monarch not lord
Monarchs collected taxes, built huge armies

4. Towns – centers for trade and shipping
Luxury goods – silk, spices, ivory, and porcelain bought in town
Guilds dominated social and civil life of towns
Guilds reflected importance of Christianity
Built Cathedrals
Adopted patron saints and sponsored parades
Towns grew as society began to be based on commerce.
Middle class had most of the power
Forced lords to grant charters (outlining of rights)
Organized banking system, became wealthy
Status determined by wealth and ability
Towns were small society was based on farming most lived in countryside.
Nobles had most power (lords)
Status determined by birthright.

5. Strong ties with Byzantine and Muslim merchants
City-state specialized
Milan: metal
Florence: banking
Venice: Asian goods
Maintained thriving wool and silk trade
Imported from East and sold for large profits
Sold insurance to sea traders
Created banks exchanged money or made loans
Medici family promoted trade, art, banking, scholarship, civic pride
Renaissance, French for “rebirth” revival in arts & learning
Renewed interest in Roman and Greek culture
Displayed wealth giving $ to artists to create art with classical themes.

6. Artists used ancient art as models
Knowledge of Rome and Greece rediscovered to solve problems
Crusades made Europeans eager to learn about the world
Artists used ancient art as models
Designed buildings reflecting ruins in Rome
Devoted to study ancient writings
Studied Latin, Greek history and Math
Petrarch – 1st great humanist
Believed each person could achieve great things
Believed educated people could create a better world
Emphasized achievement on earth