Italian Renaissance Notes

The Italian Renaissance

Vocabulary

  • Renaissance: A cultural movement and a time of renewal in Europe.

  • Humanism: A system of thought focusing on the importance of human life rather than divine or supernatural matters.

  • Secular: Attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.

Rebirth

  • Renaissance means "rebirth" of classical knowledge and "birth" of the modern world.

  • New intellectual and artistic ideas that developed during the Renaissance marked the beginning of the modern world.

Events Leading to the Renaissance

  • Crusades: Increased demand for Middle Eastern products, resulting in increased trade. Encouraged the use of credit and banking.

  • Black Death: People throughout Europe had prayed devoutly for relief from the plague, but their prayers weren't answered. This caused people to question the power of the Church.

Where did the Renaissance begin?

  • Italy

  • Italian Cities

  • Urban Societies

  • Major Trading Centers

  • Secular Movement

  • People lost their faith in the church and began to focus more on human beings and material possessions.

  • The Renaissance took place roughly from the 15th-17th Centuries.

Italian City-States

  • Italy failed to unite during the Middle Ages, so many independent city-states emerged.

  • Each city-state was controlled by a powerful family and dominated by a wealthy merchant class.

  • Their interests in art and emphasis on personal achievement helped to shape the Italian Renaissance.

  • Example: The Medici family of Florence ruled Florence for over 70 years.

The Rise of Humanism

  • Change of Ideals: No longer fully dedicated to the church, now dedicated to self, or the individual.

  • People now wanted to celebrate life and their achievements.

  • Was supported by wealthy patrons (financial supporters).

6 Characteristics of Humanism

  • Celebrate Life (Personal Achievement): Life is a chance to use your potential.

  • Independent Thinking: No more blind faith; people thought on their own.

  • Have a Broad Classical Education: A focus on the ancient civilizations of Greece & Rome, math, science, literature, language, art.

  • Seek Fame: Considered a good thing to want to be famous; you should perfect your mastery.

  • Use Reason Over Faith: Birth of science; people wanted reasons for things they were asked to do and learned the dangers of blind faith.

  • Be a Renaissance Man: Well-rounded, mastered many talents, and embody all six qualities of humanism.