Renaissance/Reformation Flashcards

Why was Italy a prime location for the start of the Renaissance?

It was surrounded by the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas, making it an ideal center for trade.

What three advantages allowed the Renaissance to begin in Italy?

Overseas trade, heavy manufacturing, and a high level of urbanization.

What is a patron of the arts and who filled this role during the Renaissance?

A patron sponsors artists and writers; patrons included wealthy merchants, families like the Medici, church leaders, and monarchs.

Which cultures were revived during the Renaissance?

The classical cultures of Greece and Rome.

Who was the Father of Renaissance Humanism and why?

Petrarch, because he rediscovered forgotten Roman manuscripts and promoted classical learning.

What was Humanism?

An intellectual movement focused on human potential and achievements rather than medieval obedience.

How did Renaissance art differ from Medieval art?

Medieval art emphasized piety and obedience, while Renaissance art emphasized realism, human emotion, and individuality.

Why is Leonardo da Vinci considered a Renaissance Man?

He was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist who studied nature to master many fields.

What is Raphael Sanzio best known for?

His painting The School of Athens.

What is Michelangelo known for during the Renaissance?

Major artistic contributions such as the Sistine Chapel and the statue of David.

What did Machiavelli argue in The Prince?

A ruler should prioritize effectiveness over morality, stating it is safer to be feared than loved.

Why was the printing press important to the Renaissance?

It spread books and ideas quickly and helped spread criticism of the Church.

Why was Dante important to Renaissance literature?

He promoted writing in the vernacular so both educated and uneducated people could understand literature.

How did the Renaissance spread to Northern Europe?

Population growth after the plague, the end of the Hundred Years’ War, and the French invasion of Italy in 1494 forced artists north.

How did Italian Humanism differ from Christian Humanism?

Italian humanism focused on classical antiquity and human potential, while Christian humanism focused on early Christianity and reform.

Who were the major Christian Humanist writers?

Desiderius Erasmus and Thomas More.

What did Erasmus write and why was it important?

The Praise of Folly, which mocked corruption in society and the Church.

What was Thomas More’s Utopia about?

An imaginary society without greed, war, or private property.

What were the social causes of the Protestant Reformation?

Renaissance ideas led people to question the Church’s hierarchy.

What were the political causes of the Protestant Reformation?

Monarchs challenged the pope’s authority as a foreign ruler.

What were the economic causes of the Protestant Reformation?

Rulers were jealous of Church wealth and merchants resented Church taxes.

What were the religious causes of the Protestant Reformation?

Corruption among clergy and uneducated priests.

Why did Martin Luther publish the 95 Theses?

He opposed the sale of indulgences, which implied salvation could be bought.

How did Lutheranism and Calvinism differ on salvation?

Lutheranism taught salvation by faith alone; Calvinism taught predestination.

What was the impact of the Reformation on Europe?

It weakened papal authority and divided Christianity into Catholicism and Protestantism.

What was the purpose of the Catholic Counter-Reformation?

To reform the Church internally and stop the spread of Protestantism.

What decisions were made at the Council of Trent?

The Church’s interpretation of the Bible was final, salvation required faith and good works, and indulgence sales were banned.

How did Pope Paul IV respond to dangerous ideas?

He created the Index of Forbidden Books and ordered mass book burnings.