1. The Renaissance Period

2. The Renaissance was a time where…
Classical Greco-Roman ideas were revived
These ideas were preserved through the middle ages by the Byzantine Empire.

3. Wealthy Patrons supported the arts and education
Humanism spread throughout Western Europe.

4. Humanism
An age of reborn interest in the arts, education, and the classical culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

5. Trade brought wealth to Italy
The Beginning
The Renaissance began in Italian cities because of their access to trade routes.
Trade brought wealth to Italy

6. Printing Press

7. Important Advancements
Printing Press
Helped develop…
1. Increase in literacy rates
2. Secular (World) ideas spread
3. Books are circulated to public
Ex. Shakespeare’s sonnets

8. The Church
Many of the new ideas and enlightened thinkers during the Renaissance period challenged the authority of the Church.

9. Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther – A German Monk
Challenges the practices of the Roman Catholic Church
Wrote the 95 Theses to criticize indulgences.
Believed the Bible should be the authority of the church.
Believed people are right with God through faith – not works.

10. Protestant Ideas Spread
Martin Luther rejects the pope’s authority
As a result, Protestant sects spread throughout Europe
King Henry VIII of England breaks away from the Catholic Church

11. Response-
The Roman Catholic Church threatened Luther to take back his ideas and criticism of the Church.
The Church also challenged several other enlightened thinkers.

12. Scientific Revolution
Galileo Galilei was threatened to be killed by the Church if he did not take back his discoveries. Age old beliefs, like the earth being the center of the universe, were proven wrong through inventions like the telescope.

13. Roman Inquisition pressuring Galileo

14. A Political Change in England
The Magna Carta was signed by King John
This document limited the powers of the King (Monarch)
The Magna Carta would later be used to guarantee rights to all people.

15. English Parliament
The Parliament was made up government officials who represented the people.
The Parliament would later help balance the power of the King

16. Petition of Right in 1628 King had to follow same laws as citizens
Can only be taxed with representation
Can only be put in prison with a lawful reason

17. Stated the king would share power with Parliament
English Bill of Rights
Stated the king would share power with Parliament
Stated the rights granted to all citizens

18. Enlightenment 1600-1700s Time of intellectual debate and growth
Increased study of individual rights (all should have individual rights)
These Ideas inspired the American & French Revolution

19. Revolution
A quick turn around or change in a government system or organization.
American & French Revolutions inspired others to seek independence

20. John Locke Wrote Two Treatises of government
Believed governments should protect the natural rights of life, liberty, & Property
Government based on consent of people

21. Montesquieu Wrote the Spirit of the Laws
Believed government should have a separation of powers
Government should have checks and balances

22. Wrote The Social Contract
Rousseau
Wrote The Social Contract
Believed the government shouldn’t violate individuals’ rights by law.