AP European History: The Renaissance

An in depth flashcard set for the Renaissance Period

Renaissance

The period between 1350 and 1550 in Italy, marked by a revival of Greek and Roman culture, viewed as a 'rebirth' after the Middle Ages and the recovery from the Black Death.

Universal person (Renaissance Man)

An individual with diverse achievements and skills, embodying the belief that 'men can do all things if they will,' promoting individualism and a well-rounded character.

1st Estate

Clergy who serve the church, enjoying respect and benefits.

2nd Estate

Nobility with privileges, acting as military officers and advisors to the king.

3rd Estate

The majority, comprising peasants and townspeople; includes patricians (wealthy from trade), burghers (workers), and the unemployed.

Who created the Hansa (Hanseatic League)?

North German coastal towns.

What constituted the Third Estate in the 15th century?

Overwhelmingly comprised of peasants.

Slavery in Renaissance Italy

Involving African and eastern Mediterranean slaves mainly employed as domestic servants or skilled labor.

System of government in Florence

Governed in the early 15th century by an oligarchy of merchants, with true power resting with Cosimo de’ Medici and the Medici family.

Machiavelli’s ideas on political power

Political power, ideally moral, can necessitate immoral actions for the state's benefit; Cesare Borgia exemplifies effective ruthlessness.

Dominant family in Renaissance Florence

The Medici Family.

Civic humanism.

Emphasizes active government involvement and contributing to civic life.

Changes in history recording from Middle Ages to Renaissance.

Shifts to secularism, focusing on political events over divine intervention, with humanists creating a clear timeline separating ancient, medieval, and contemporary periods.

Occupations of Renaissance humanists.

Educators and secretaries in city-states or royal courts.

Model for civic humanists.

Cicero.

Social status of Renaissance artists.

Transitioned from unnamed artisans to revered geniuses by the end of the 15th century, reflecting respect for their creativity.

Content control of Renaissance art.

Primarily governed by the Catholic Church.

Truth about Northern Renaissance artists.

[Not specified in original notes.]

Obstacles to French royal authority in the 15th century.

Recovery from the Hundred Years' War; Charles VII established a royal army, imposed taxes, and reduced parliamentary power.

Henry VII's checks on aristocratic power.

Ended liver and maintenance, established the court of star chamber for noble control, and gained support through effective governance.

Achievements of Ferdinand and Isabella in Spain.

Reformed government with middle-class lawyers, built a formidable army, enhanced church influence, initiated the Inquisition, and expanded Catholic dominance.

The 'new monarchs' of the late 15th century.

Focused on acquiring and consolidating power.

Successful monarchs in centralizing 'new monarchies'.

[Not specified in original notes.]

Criticism of Renaissance popes.

Critiqued for prioritizing secular interests, nepotism, and neglecting spiritual duties, as exemplified by various popes' actions.

Humanism

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the study of classical texts, human potential, and achievements.

Leonardo da Vinci

A quintessential Renaissance man known for his contributions to art, science, and invention, exemplified by works like 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'.

Printing press

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg, it revolutionized the spread of information, leading to greater literacy and the dissemination of Renaissance ideas.

Patrons of the arts

Wealthy individuals or institutions, such as the Medici family, who supported artists, musicians, and scholars during the Renaissance.

Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.

Sfumato

A painting technique used by artists like Leonardo da Vinci to create a soft transition between colors and tones.

Composition in Renaissance art

The arrangement of elements in art that creates balance and harmony, often applying mathematical principles such as the golden ratio.

Renaissance architecture

Characterized by symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical elements such as columns and domes, seen in buildings like St. Peter's Basilica.

Role of women in the Renaissance

Women often had limited opportunities, but some, like Isabella d’Este, were influential patrons of the arts and engaged in intellectual pursuits.

Scientific Revolution

An era of scientific advancement in the Renaissance that laid the groundwork for modern science, challenging traditional views of the universe.