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Middle Ages / Renaissance Compare /Contrast Chart
Directions: The following chart represents broad generalizations concerning the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In many ways the two time
periods were direct opposites. The Renaissance in some ways was a reaction or an effect of the Middle Ages.
Middle Ages
Renaissance
Only nobility could gain an education. Universities
are closely tied to cathedrals. Self-sufficient manors
did not include education as a function. Most people
were illiterate.
1. Extensive interest in education
especially the classical Greek and
Roman ideas
Life was Monotonous. Feudalism and Manorialism
guided life. No questioning the bible.
2. Development of a skeptical attitude
toward life. Less reliance on authority
and more on investigation.
The Afterlife was most important. Life on earth
was only significant as a vehicle to the afterlife in
heaven.
The Bible taught you exactly how to act.
3. The Secular (non-religious) world & the
“here” and the now were stressed Life is
worth living for its own sake.
4. Secular morality – there was a proper way
to act besides the model mentioned in the
Bible.
Middle Ages
Church doctrines were honored, Sacraments held
extreme value, Excommunication and Indulgences
taken advantage of by the Clergy.
All Christians in the West were Roman Catholic
and some in the East were Orthodox.
Church Power was at an all-time high.
No questioning the authority of the King or the
Pope or a greater lord.
Renaissance
5. Church doctrines and ceremonies were
rejected and the Reformation resulted.
6. All Christians were not Catholic or
Orthodox some were Protestant, Lutheran,
Calvinist, Baptist, Anglican, Etc.
7. Church Power was hurt by Babylonian
Captivity, the Reformation and Scientific
Revolution.
8. People questioned the authority of Secular
rulers and the Pope.
Middle Ages
Renaissance
The individual held no importance. Everything
was done or created for God.
9. The Individual was Important and had the
Right to Self-Expression (i.e. artists sign
works).
Most people never traveled further than 20 miles
from their village or town, self-sufficient manors
gave no reason for travel.
10. Inter-regional and intercontinental trade
and contact flourish leading to cultural
diffusion of ideas.
No tolerance. No experiences. (i. e. Crusades) and
No trade among other peoples.
11. Tolerance of Turkish peoples and other
religions including but not limited to Islam.
The Bible Taught you everything you needed to
know in regards to life. No questioning the bible.
12. Nation states rise and become the basis
of European politics with the exception of
Germany and Italy.
Middle Ages
Renaissance
Manorialism guided peasant life on the manor.
Feudalism was also a major influence on the
economy (obligations & dues).
13. Capitalism is the main economic system
No Money (coins). Bartering was the main means
of exchange. Land was the greatest measure of
wealth.
Pessimistic outlook on life. Looking towards the
next harvest; monotonous.
Art was only created for Religious purposes. No
culture, no Cultural Diffusion, very few
Technological advancements other than farm
production.
14. Money + Trade + Production are the basis
of wealth.
15. Optimistic outlook on life.
16. Period of great Artistic + Cultural +
Technological outbursts.