Chapter 13: European Society in the Age of the Renaissance

Italian Renaissance

A period of remarkable changes in Italian society starting in the 14th century and spreading to northern Europe in the 15th century, characterized by economic growth, artistic energies, and cultural achievements.

Northern Italian Cities

Communes of free men seeking political and economic independence, leading the way in the commercial revival of the 11th century and advancements in shipbuilding for overseas trade.

Popolo

Disenfranchised group in Italian city-states, heavily taxed and excluded from power, who used violence to take over city governments in the 13th century.

Humanism

A cultural movement in the Renaissance characterized by a deep interest in Latin classics, revival of antique lifestyles, and a new sense of historical distance from earlier periods.

Secularism

A concern with the material world over the eternal world of spirit, growing in Italy during the 14th and 15th centuries, leading to a focus on critical scholarship and a new worldly attitude.

High Renaissance

A period in art history where Rome took the lead, characterized by classical balance, harmony, and restraint in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

Perspective in Painting

The linear representation of distance and space on a flat surface, a technique developed during the Renaissance to create a sense of depth in artworks.

The Prince

A political treatise by Niccolò Machiavelli addressing how rulers should gain, maintain, and increase political power, emphasizing the manipulation of people for the ruler's benefit.

Printing Press

Invented by Johann Gutenberg in 1455, revolutionizing the production of books by using movable type, leading to increased literacy, the formation of political parties, and the spread of information.

Print in Renaissance

Bridged gap between written and oral cultures by allowing illiterate listeners to access books and printed materials.

Status of Upper-Class Women in Renaissance

Declined in terms of work, property, political power, and societal influence compared to the feudal age.

Education of Renaissance Women

Young ladies in Renaissance Italy learned languages, classics, poetry, and etiquette, enhancing their knowledge and skills.

Laura Cereta

Illustrates successes and failures of educated Renaissance women, emphasizing learning, self-confidence, and societal expectations.

Women's Inferiority

Derived from societal norms, not divine order, with educated women often seen as losing their femininity.

Gender Roles in Renaissance

Women focused on household and social duties, while men engaged in public affairs and ruling.

Rape in Renaissance

Varied in severity based on the victim's age, marital status, and the perpetrator's social status.

Black Slaves in Europe

Entered Europe in sizable numbers in the fifteenth century, serving in various roles and symbolizing wealth.

Northern Humanists

Interpreted classical ideals in terms of their own traditions, combining classical and Christian virtues for moral improvement.

Desiderius Erasmus

Emphasized education as a means of moral and intellectual reform, focusing on the study of the Bible and classical works.

French Humanist Francois Rabelais

Advocated laughter as essential to humanity, blending enjoyment with intellectual cultivation.

Jan van Eyck

Early artist using oil-based paints, known for detailed realism in paintings reflecting human personality.

Monarchs in Renaissance

Established strong royal authority, suppressed opposition, and relied on middle-class civil servants for governance.

Wars of the Roses

Civil war in England between the ducal houses of York and Lancaster, leading to domestic turmoil and economic decline.

Tudor Monarchs

Restored royal prestige, crushed noble power, and promoted domestic tranquility through efficient governance methods.

Spanish Inquisition

Revived by Ferdinand and Isabella to enforce religious orthodoxy, leading to the expulsion of Jews and conversos from Spain.

Philip II

Son of Charles who united Portugal to the Spanish crown in 1580.

Iberian Peninsula

Region where Portugal and Spain are located, politically united in 1580 by Philip II.