AP European History: The Renaissance

Recovery and Rebirth: The Age of the Renaissance (1350-1550)

Meaning and Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance (12.1)

  • Definition of Renaissance: The term "Renaissance" is derived from the French word meaning "rebirth."

    • Used to describe the period from 1350 to 1550 in Italy, characterized by a revival of Greek and Roman culture.

    • This culture re-emerged after the Middle Ages, which was viewed as a dark age due to a lack of classical music and cultural achievements.

    • The Black Death of the 14th century also contributed to the notion of a rebirth, representing the recovery and renewal of society.

  • Universal Person / Renaissance Man:

    • Definition: A universal person is one who has multiple achievements and is well-rounded.

    • Key Beliefs: Coined by Leon Battista Alberti with the idea that "men can do all things if they will," signifying the emphasis on individualism and the potential for varied accomplishments in life.

The Making of Renaissance Society (12.2)

  • The Three Estates:

    1. 1st Estate: Clergy

    • Roles: Worked for the Church, held significant respect and privileges.

    1. 2nd Estate: Nobility

    • Roles: Held military and governmental positions, enjoyed privileges over common people, dominated society.

    1. 3rd Estate: Peasants and Townspeople

    • Comprised the majority of the population, especially post-Black Death.

    • Subsections of 3rd Estate:

      • Patricians: Wealthy individuals engaged in industry, trade, and banking, influencing urban centers.

      • Burghers: Shopkeepers and skilled labor who provided goods and services.

      • Unemployed/Propertyless: Represented 30-40% of the urban population, with low wages.

  • Role of Women in Society:

    • Status: Women's roles were viewed less autonomously than men's, primarily restricted to childbearing and household management under the authority of fathers or husbands.

    • Social Construction Reasons:

    • Societal norms deemed men as superior, emphasizing their strength, while women were relegated to supportive, graceful roles focused on family and inheritance.

  • Key Associations and Results:

    • Hansa/Hanseatic League: Formed by North German coastal towns, played a crucial role in commercial and military affairs.

    • The Third Estate was predominantly urban and consisted of various groups, including a significant percentage of peasants.

    • Slavery in Renaissance Italy: Reached its peak in the early sixteenth century with African and Mediterranean slaves often serving in domestic roles.

The Italian States in the Renaissance (12.3)

  • Government in Florence:

    • Initially governed by a merchant oligarchy.

    • Real power held by Cosimo de’ Medici and the Medici family, who operated behind the scenes to dominate Florentine politics.

  • Machiavelli’s Political Views:

    • Political power viewed as beneficial if used correctly; advocated for a balance of morals.

    • Recommended sometimes abandoning morality for the sake of effective governance.

    • Cesare Borgia seen as an ideal ruler for utilizing ruthlessness in state-building.

The Intellectual Renaissance in Italy (12.4)

  • Civic Humanism:

    • Definition: Involvement in government and responsible citizenship emphasized as a crucial aspect of human life.

  • Notable Italian Humanists:

    • Leonardo Bruni:

    • Chancellor of Florence, authored "The New Cicero", promoting civic involvement and growth through governance;

    • One of the earliest humanists proficient in Greek.

    • Lorenzo Valla:

    • Papal secretary, wrote "The Elegances of the Latin Language" restoring Latin from its classical roots.

  • Changes in Historical Recording:

    • Shift from a Christian-centric view to secular narratives;

    • Impacted focus towards political events and less divine intervention and miracles.

    • Introduced division of history into ancient, dark, and modern eras, highlighting a transition in thought post-Middle Ages.

The Artistic Renaissance (12.5)

  • Social Status of Artists:

    • Transition from artisans to celebrated artistic geniuses by the late 15th century;

    • Artists recognized for creativity and viewed as equals to the upper classes in society.

The European State in the Renaissance (12.6)

  • Challenges to Royal Authority in France:

    • After the Hundred Years War, recovery was essential for the monarchy;

    • Charles VII fortified royal power through royal armies and taxes, curtailing noble influence.

    • Successors maintained these reforms, expanding the monarchy’s control.

  • Henry VII and Combatting Nobility:

    • Ended the liver and maintenance practice, limiting noble coercion;

    • Established the Star Chamber for controlling nobles, using confessions for governance.

    • Focused on diplomatic means to maintain stability without overburdening taxes.

  • Ferdinand and Isabella's Achievements:

    • Founded a stronger government, staffed by middle-class officials trained in Roman law, enhancing royal authority;

    • Gained church control to bolster governance and implemented an inquisition against non-Catholics, significantly expanding royal influence.

The Church in the Renaissance (12.7)

  • Criticism of Renaissance Popes:

    • Popes criticized for growing secularism and political engagement over spiritual roles;

    • Nepotism rampant among popes, with connections to powerful families, undermining the Church’s moral authority.

    • Specific examples include:

    • Alexander VI's illegitimate son becoming a cardinal.

    • Julius II’s martial engagements and focus on art expenditures.

    • Sixtus IV’s nepotism in cardinal appointments, showing deviation from expected church standards.

Key Events to Know!!

  • The Renaissance (1350-1550): A revival of Greek and Roman culture post-Middle Ages characterized by emphasis on individualism and classical achievements.

  • The Three Estates: Division of society into Clergy (1st Estate), Nobility (2nd Estate), and Peasants/Townspeople (3rd Estate), shaping social structure and roles during the Renaissance.

  • Government in Florence: Dominance of the Medici family and the shift from a merchant oligarchy to a powerful ruling family impacting political dynamics.

  • Machiavelli’s Political Views: Emphasis on effective governance, moral flexibility in leadership, and recognition of Cesare Borgia as a model ruler for state-building.

  • Civic Humanism: Increase in civic responsibility and involvement in government as a fundamental human ideal.

  • Challenges to Royal Authority: Recovery of royal power in France through Charles VII's reforms post-Hundred Years War, including the establishment of royal armies and taxes.

  • Achievements of Ferdinand and Isabella: Strengthening of royal authority in Spain through middle-class officials, church control, and inquisition against non-Catholics to consolidate power.

  • Criticism of Renaissance Popes: Growing secularism and nepotism, diminishing the moral authority of the Church and impacting its role during the Renaissance.

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