1. Focus Question #7 Chapter 2
How Did the Ideas of the Renaissance Change Social and Economic Systems?
Focus Question #7
Chapter 2

2. How were Economic Systems changed?
Because of the breakdown of feudalism, people who once lived in the countryside (rural) moved to the city (urban areas)
These people formed a new middle class within the city that was based on trade and manufacturing.
The life of the middle class changed the most.
Because they were now involved in business, more people had to learn how to read, write and do arithmetic
The rising middle class contributed to a growth of a capitalist society (based on trade and money)
Quality of life, capitalist society, secular

3. How were Economic Systems changed?
Trade was already common, but mainly for basic necessities and usually people exchanged goods for goods. Now, trade became goods for money. (this made it easier to import goods and set up manufacturing systems)
Middle class merchants became very wealthy from trade.
They could now purchase castles that nobility previously owned
Did not have to work as often which led to more leisure time
Now had money to learn to read, study music, and enjoy art

4. How were Social Systems changed?
Feudalism began to break down.
Rural dwellers (people from the countryside) moved to the city (urban areas)
Quality of life improved for these people
Explored new ideas about how society should function and about what was valuable in life
Religion remained important, but they also wanted to improve their lives and surroundings.

5. How were Social Systems changed?
Because the middle class now had access to wealth, they built large homes that only nobility could afford before.
Surrounded themselves with beautiful objects – this made lives better.
Supported the arts
Supported the construction of public buildings to demonstrate their personal wealth and family status
Society became more secular and focused on life on earth.
Realized they could change the way they lived
Could change where they lived
Could change who they worked for
Hard work and opportunities could lead to improved lifestyle
Could create their own identities

6. The Renaissance Family
EVERYONE in the family lived under one roof (father, mother, children, grandparents, unmarried or widowed aunts and uncles)
Their worldview of society determined family roles:
Father ruled the household, managed all the money and property, and made all the important decisions
Mothers maintained the household and ensured the success of husband and children
Children did not have a “childhood” that we are used to today. They were considered miniature adults expected to participate in family duties and respect their father until his death
All family members worked to support family as a whole, and family live and good relations was valued

7. The Renaissance Family
Most marriages, except for the lower class, were arranged
Daughters would be married to someone who could improve the family’s wealth or status.
Marriages could also be away to create financial or political alliances between families
Young girls tended to marry by 16, while mend did not marry until their mid-thirties or early forties.

8. Education of Women in the Renaissance
Education was reserved for the elite
Most poor males and females could not attend school
Most wealthy women were not allowed to be educated and had little independence
Educated women were regarded as unusual and were not allowed to continue with their studies after marriage.

9. Important Educated Women of the Renaissance
Agrippa of Nettelsheim – said there was no difference in the intellectual abilities of men and women
Maria de Zayas y Sotomayer- (noblewoman) wrote that education for women should go beyond preparing them for an ornamental life like a lady of a court
Sofonisba Anguissola (artist) daughter of an artist who trained under her father
Wives of wealthy noblemen were expected to be a patron of the arts

10. Important Women of the Renaissance
Changing ideas of religion affected the lives of women
Anna Bijins (school teacher) promoted Catholicism
Marie Dentiere (former nun) defended the reform movement of the church and supported the rights of women to preach and teach scripture
Women were never allowed to be part of the decision making process

11. Education
Pre-Renaissance- Roman Catholic Church provided European Education
Focused on grammar, rhetoric, and logic (while following church teachings)
The church kept most of Europe’s books in its libraries, so it was regarded as the keeper of Europe’s knowledge
The church kept education alive by teaching nobles and the clergy reading, writing, and arithmetic.

12. How did Education Change?
A new philosophy emerged from ideas that promoted the value of human life and potential
Students were taught to be good citizens to eventually become leaders and carry out civic works
Changed the attitudes toward the world around them
Valued new knowledge
Asked questions and went to seek out new knowledge rather than accepting what they were told by authority

13. Review What You Know!!!!
How well could you answer focus question #7
How Did the Ideas of the Renaissance Change Social and Economic Systems?