The Renaissance and Politics

The Renaissance (1400-1600)

• Period of learning, art, and discovery that began in Italy after the Middle Ages.
• A cultural shift toward rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman Ideas.

Humanism

• Study of humanity, focus was on improving the human experience.
• Humanists wanted to improve daily life.

Individualism

• Separating oneself from the crowd in terms of ideas and creations.
• Philosophy that encouraged people to take an interest in this world.

Secularism

• Replaced the belief that religion controlled politics and laws.

Political Impacts of the Renaissance

• Monarchs began to hold more power and influence.
• England, France, Italy, and Spain become powerful and influential nations.