Notes over The Rise of the Renaissance

Western Europe emerged from the Middle Ages during an era known as the Renaissance

From 1300-1600, Western Europe experienced a “rebirth” in trade, learning, and Greco-Roman ideas

During the Renaissance, Europeans developed new ideas in art, government, and human potential

The Crusades increased European demand for Asia from Asia

As a result, Italian cities and a wealthy middle class began to form in Italy

The most important Italian city was Florence into Italy’s most artistic city

Kings were able to tax merchants and use their wealth to build armies and strong nations which hurt the power of feudal lords

From 1337 to 1453, England and France began a conflict called the Hundred Years War

During the war, nationalism increased as people became loyal to their king and nation, rather than their lord

The discovery of Chinese gunpowder led to the development of cannons which helped armies penetrate castles

In the late Middle Ages, the pope and the Catholic church lost some of it’s influence as a result of the losses to Muslim armies during the Crusades

The plague killed 25 million people in 5 years (1/3 of Europe’s population)

Social status was based on wealth and ability, not birthright

A new way of thinking began during the Renaissance called Humanism

Humanists studied the “Classical” ideas of Greece and Rome and believed that education could make the world a better place

The “Ideal Man” was well educated, smart, can dance, write poetry, and play music; (called a Renaissance Man)

The “Ideal Woman” should have the same qualities as men, but should not seek fame or political power; (Renaissance women were better educated but had fewer rights than medieval women)