Study Notes on Late Medieval Europe and the Renaissance

Agenda Exercise

  • How to « Read » Primary Source Texts & Images

  • Late Medieval Christendom Overview à Renaissance Changes

  • Politics, Technology & Trade in the 15th/16th Century World

  • European Exploration: Causes + Columbus

  • Dr. Hohman

Primary Source Images

Key Aspects to Analyze:

  • Perspective: Understanding the viewpoint from which the source is created.

  • Usage: How the source was used or intended to be used.

  • Bias: Any potential biases present in the source.

  • Symbolism: Elements that signify deeper meanings or ideas.

  • Context: The historical or cultural background surrounding the source.

  • Originality: The authenticity of the source and its significance.

  • Scale: The size and scope of the source's impact or relevance.

  • Audience: The intended or actual audience for the source.

  • Accessibility: How accessible the source is to contemporary audiences.

Primary Source Texts

Key Aspects to Analyze:

  • Genre: The form or category of the text.

  • Audience: The group for which the text was written.

  • Authorship: Who created the text and their background.

  • Bias: Understanding any biases in the text.

  • Purpose: The intention behind writing the text.

  • Context: The historical background that informs the text.

  • Usage: How the text was applied or referenced.

  • Originality: The uniqueness of the text compared to others.

  • Dating: When the text was created or published.

Example of a Primary Source Text (Dear Diary)

  • Content: A casual diary entry detailing personal experiences.

  • Themes: Youthful excitement, relationships, and social dynamics.

    • Example Excerpt: "Spring has SPRUNG and I am loving it!!! Me and Ash totally just laid by the pool today and laid got T-A-N!!! I hope Blaine notices at school on Monday!!! He is so HOTTT!"

  • Cultural Reference: Comparison made to a Thanksgiving turkey, indicating longing and desire.

Example of a Primary Source Text (News Report)

  • Title: "NEW TITANIC SINKS - 1800 PERSONS GO TO WATERY GRAVES"

  • Source: The Peoria Herald-Transcript

  • Significance: Discusses a major maritime disaster, highlighting themes of tragedy, loss, and societal impact.

    • Example Excerpt: "Many of the 2,200 Persons on Board Giant Liner Were of World-Wide Prominence, Including Aide of President Taft and Members of Wealthy New York Families."

Late Medieval Europe in a Nutshell

  • Transition: From Feudalism to Nation Building

  • Key Powers:

    • Strong Nations: England & France

    • Fragmented Regions: Holy Roman Empire & Italy

Features of Late Medieval Christendom

  • Church's Role: A major power (both for good and for violence)

  • Examples of Church Influence:

    • Charity: Charity work promoted by the Church.

    • Salvation: The pursuit of salvation as a vital religious objective.

    • Community: The Church as a center for community gathering.

    • Access to Spiritual Power: How individuals engage with religious authority.

  • Crusades: Impacts of the religious military campaigns, including both upturns and downfalls.

  • Rise of Universities: Institutions of higher learning and the focus on Scholasticism, emphasizing reason and logic in theology.

  • Trade Connections: The establishment of networks that facilitated trade and cultural exchange through the late medieval period.

14th Century Crisis

Major Events:

  • Black Plague (1346-1350):

    • Impact: Estimated death of 25-50% of the population, leading to significant social and economic changes.

    • Consequence: Increased social mobility and growing cynicism towards the Church and traditional structures.

  • 100 Years War (1337-1453):

    • Key Figure: Joan of Arc emerges as a symbol of heroism amidst the conflict.

    • Effect: A drain on resources for France and England, leading to a search for new ideas and leadership.

  • Great Schism (1378-1417):

    • Situation: A division within the Catholic Church with three popes simultaneously leading.

    • Outcome: Growth in public skepticism and disillusionment regarding the Church's divine authority.

Renaissance Culture: 15th Century

Context:

  • Location: Flourishing in Italy.

  • Economic Changes: Rise of rich Italian city-states contributing to a new middle class that emphasized wealth and cultural patronage.

  • Technological Advancement:

    • Printing Press (1440): Revolutionized the production of texts, increasing literacy and access to knowledge.

  • Humanism Movement:

    • Definition: An intellectual movement focused on human potential and achievements, with an emphasis on the classical past.

    • Philosophy: Man is likened to a god, indicating an expansive view of human capacity.

    • Renaissance Man: Ideals exemplified by figures like Leonardo da Vinci, showcasing a blend of arts and sciences.

  • Classical Revival: Renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, with an aim to surpass them.

16th Century Renaissance - Height & Conflict

Artistic Contributions:

  • Michelangelo: Significant figure in Renaissance art, known for works that encapsulate humanism and new portrayals of humanity.

    • Key Works:

    • David (1501-04): Located in the Palazzo Vecchio, representing the ideal human form and individualism.

    • Sistine Chapel Ceiling & the Creation of Adam (1508-1512): Illustrates biblical themes through humanistic interpretation.

    • Last Judgement (1536-1541): Depicted on the Sistine Chapel altar wall, highlighting the themes of redemption and judgement intertwined with Renaissance ideals.

Renaissance Tensions and Developments

  • Conflict Overview: The period represents a peak of humanistic ideals colliding with the uncertainties stemming from the Reformation, instigated post-1517.

    • Significant Tension: The interplay between the flourishing arts, letters, and challenges posed by religious reformers, impacting all aspects of life during the period.