History 8 Notes: The Renaissance
Mrs. C. Venieris
What was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance was a time of creativity and change in many areas-- political, social,
economic and cultural. It was a change in the way people viewed themselves and their world.
There was a new interest in learning and the arts. There was a renewed interest in ancient
Greek and Roman language and writings. This new interest in culture is called the
Renaissance from the French word for ‘rebirth’.
Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?
1. Italy had been the center of the Roman Empire and architectural remains, statues, coins
and inscriptions were all visible reminders of Roman grandeur and inspired the people.
2. Italian cities had survived the Middle Ages and grew into prosperous centers of trade and
manufacturing.
3. A wealthy and prosperous merchant class further promoted the cultural rebirth through
their attitudes and interests. They stressed education and individual achievement and spent
lots of money on the arts by supporting artists.
4. There were a lot of gifted poets, artists, architects, scholars, and scientists in Italy’s major
cities (Florence, Milan, Venice and Genoa).
How did Italy’s states become wealthy and powerful?
Italy’s states were independent because of their riches which they gained through trade.
They used their wealth to build large fleets of ships. They also hired mercenaries to fight in
their armies. Wealthy merchants and bankers in Italy also loaned money to the kings of
Europe.
Trade developed because:
(1) Geography: The Italian peninsula was the center of the Mediterranean world which
allowed trade between the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires to the east, Spain and France to
west, and North Africa to the south.
(2) The Crusades which brought them in contact with Arab merchants in the Middle East.
(3) The Mongol conquests which united much of Asia in a large trading network. The
Mongols protected trade along the Silk Road.
Why was Florence an important city?
(1) It was the first major center of the Renaissance.
(2) Its wealth and central location attracted many artists, sculptors, writers and architects.
(3) It gained its wealth through trading cloth and wool.
(4) Its citizens made money from banking.
(5) The Medici family owned the largest bank in Florence. Lorenzo de’ Medici, who was
known as ‘the Magnificent’, governed Florence from 1469 to 1492 and used his wealth to
support the arts.
What was Humanism?
It was based on ancient Greek and Roman ideas.
Humanist scholars gave importance to the individual and to human society.
Humanist scholars wanted to gain knowledge through reason, not just through religious
faith.
HUMANISM encouraged people to be active in their cities and to develop their talents.
What effect did Humanism have on society?
Humanism helped people solve their problems using reason and logic.
Humanist scholars were curious about biology, medicine and astronomy.
Many people became multi-talented. An example of the ideal Renaissance man was
Leonardo Da Vinci who was an inventor, engineer, artist, architect, etc… and had interests in
anatomy, optics, music etc…
What were the effects of Gutenberg’s Printing Press on society?
(1) Printed books were cheaper and easier to produce than hand-copied works.
(2) More people learned how to read and write since books were readily available.
(3) Readers gained access to a broad range of knowledge from medicine to astrology and
mining.
(4) Printed books exposed educated Europeans to new ideas about society, religion and
politics.