Renaissance and Northern Renaissance APEuro review

The Renaissance

A period of great cultural development, from around 1375 to 1525 (and longer, in the north).

Characteristics of the Renaissance

Greco-Roman culture, Individualism, Faith in humanity, Questioning of the Church, economic boom.

Causes of the Renaissance

Lack of war in Italy, Economic boom (from the spice trade), Church's diminished societal role, Competition between the Italian States.

The Medici

A wealthy banking family from Florence, one of the most powerful families in Italy. Controlled many trades and even had Popes among them.

Societal changes for the commoners in the Renaissance

Decline of manorialism and serfdom meant more free peasants; Moved to cities, and divided into three classes: Patricians (money people); Merchants, craftsmen; And the property-less.

Societal changes for the nobility in the Renaissance

Major reconstruction and decline in income post Black Death; "Aristocratic" character developed (from Baldassare Castiglione, "The book of the courtier")

Major Italian Renaissance states

Dutchy of Milan and Republic of Venice (North Italy), Papal States, Kingdom of Naples, and Florence (ruled by the Medici).

Independent Renaissance city-states

Mantua, Ferrara, Urbino.

Ambassador

A diplomatic representative from one country to another (developed by the Italian States during Renaissance).

Despot

One hired to do the work of a noble / ruler. Often hated. (Developed by the Italian States during the Renaissance)

The role of women in the Italian Renaissance states

Often important advisors to smaller city states (ex: Isabella D'este, wife and advisor to the Mantuan ruler).

Humanism

The study and belief in the capabilities and values of humans (based in Greco-Roman knowledge).

Liberal studies

"Studies needed to be a complete and whole participant in society." A system of education based on history, philosophy, poetry, rhetoric, and grammar.

Scholasticism

The Church's education system. Focused on philosophical education based in Bible study (for the clergy).

Humanism's effect on historical study

The modern historical chronologisation, focus on non-miracle events.

The printing press

A device that prints books. Invented by Gutenberg. Allowed for the easier spread of knowledge and information. Cheap-ified education.

Macchiavelli

Author of The Prince: "Ends justify the means," "It's better to be feared than loved."

Characteristics of Renaissance Art

Realism (linear perspective, Chiaroscuro, individuals painted), Recreation of Greco-Roman techniques, Better art supplies (ex: oil paints), More available inspiration.

The end of the Italian Renaissance

The invasion of Italy by France, Spain, and the HRE.

European Renaissance states

France: drifts toward absolutism monarchy.

England: War of the Roses establishes Tudor dynasty.

Spain: almost united by marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile.

HRE / Austria: Habsburgs expand via political marriage, Spanish, Burgundian, and Habsburg ruling lines converge.

Bohemia: Descended into civil war.

Hungary: Flourishes under Mátyás Corvinusz, but falls back after his death.

The greatest threat to Europe in Renaissance times

The Ottomans invade the Byzantines, threaten eastern Europe.

Characteristics of the Renaissance Papacy

Rampant corruption, nepotism, debauchery. (ex: Julius II: "Warrior Pope")

Lollardism

Anti-Church movement in Britain (from Johm Wyclif): "Popes have no right to land and power; strip them of it," "Bible should be available to all in vernacular."

Hussitism

The spread of Lollardism to Bohemia by John Hus: burned at the stake for heresy, sparked Bohemian anti-Church revolution ("Hussite Wars").