1. The Renaissance Major Characteristics

2. Renaissance What: An age of recovery that saw a re- birth of classical culture from ancient Greece and Rome

3. Renaissance When: Started in the late 14 th century and extended into the early 16 th century

4. Renaissance Where: Began in the Italian city-states before spreading to northern and western Europe

5. Renaissance Who: Elite phenomenon that had only an indirect impact on the great mass of society

6. Renaissance How: This new urban society emerged out of the growing wealth from trade that promoted a new spirit for enjoying more worldly things (growth in secularism & individualism)

7. Renaissance Why: Growing corruption and weakness of the Church Increasing recovery from the dismal 14 th century Discovery of the ancient classics Spread of printing

8. Renaissance Historical significance: Promoted a new worldview that emphasized individual ability and worldly accomplishments

9. Effects of the Renaissance Humanism A form of education and culture based on the study of the classics of ancient Rome & Greece (Petrarch) Program revolved around the “Liberal Arts” – grammar, rhetoric, poetry, ethics, & history This was often seen as something that should be shared with the broader community in the sense of a civic duty to serve the city-state (Italian) An underlying belief in the educatibility of all human beings (education was key to true freedom in that it allowed people to achieve their full potential)

10. Effects of the Renaissance Development of Vernacular Languages Impact of Printing Developed during this time period Johannes Gutenberg and moveable type (between 1445 and 1450) Quickly became one of the largest industries in Europe Encouraged scholarly learning and research, sharing of research, expanded literacy