AP European History Unit 1 Notes

Renaissance Overview

• Definition: The term "Renaissance" means "rebirth," focusing on the revival of classical texts and ideas from Ancient Rome and Greece.

• Context: These concepts had been obscured during the Middle Ages, but Islamic scholars and interactions through the Crusades helped reintroduce them to European thinkers.

• Origin: The Renaissance began in Italy as a cultural awakening due to the recovery of classical knowledge.

Petrarch and Humanism

• Petrarch: Considered a precursor to the Renaissance; laid groundwork for Renaissance philosophies.

• Humanism: A philosophy emphasizing the potential of human beings. Key points:

  • Focus on individual achievement and potential.

  • Inspired by classical texts, particularly Cicero and his defense of the Roman Republic.

Innovations in Philology

• Philology: The study of historical development of languages.

• Example: Lorenzo Valla proved a document claiming to be from Emperor Constantine was a forgery due to incorrect Latin for the period.

• Impact: Shifted authority from the Church to secular studies, leading to a new focus on humanistic inquiry.

Education and Humanities

• Transformation: Education shifted from theological studies to classical humanities (history, moral philosophy, poetry).

• Baldassare Castiglione: Advocated for a well-rounded "gentleman" skilled in various disciplines.

Civic Humanism

• Concept: Emphasis on educated citizens participating in local politics.

• Notable Figures:

  • Leonardo Bruni: Advocated for republican governance based on the models of ancient Rome.

  • Machiavelli: Authored The Prince, arguing that a ruler's main goal is to maintain power, sometimes over ethical considerations.

Evolution of Art

• Shift: From religious symbolism in Middle Ages to realism and naturalism in Renaissance art.

• Notable Artists:

  • Michelangelo: Famous for the statue of David, reflecting humanist ideals of perfection and anatomy.

  • Raphael: Known for The School of Athens; depicted classical figures and used geometric perspective.

  • Filippo Brunelleschi: Architect behind the Florence Cathedral's dome; moved away from Gothic styles to Roman designs.

• Patronage: Artists were often funded by wealthy patrons, including families like the Medicis.

Northern Renaissance

• Spread: Renaissance ideas moved north due to the printing press; North Renaissance had a stronger Christian influence, termed Christian Humanism.

• Erasmus:

  • Advocate for education reform focused on the classics and scripture, author of In Praise of Folly.

Role of the Printing Press

• Invention: Developed in the 1440s by Johannes Gutenberg; allowed for rapid and inexpensive book production.

• Impact:

  • Spread ideas: Classical texts and reformative thoughts (e.g., Martin Luther) circulated widely.

  • Fostered vernacular literature, aiding in national cultural developments.

Political Developments

• Monarchical Power: Rise of centralized power under monarchs in response to noble authority, resulting in religious and moral reforms.

• Henry VIII: His break from the Catholic Church established the Church of England.

• Elizabeth I: Continued rekindling Anglicanism while managing dissent among Catholics.

• Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain: Unified Spain and enforced Catholicism post-Reconquista.

Exploration Motivations

• Three Golden Gs: Gold (wealth), God (religion), Glory (national prestige).

• Mercantilism: Focus on accumulating wealth via trade and colonial expansion.

  • Navigation Innovations: Map-making, caravel ships, compass, astrolabe.

European Explorations and Colonial Empires

• Portugal: Established a trading post empire around Africa, focusing on trade rather than colonization.

• Spain: Led by Columbus, expanded into the Caribbean and Americas, leading with disease and conquest.

• France and England: Engaged in trading and settlement respectively, developing significant colonial territories.

The Columbian Exchange

• Definition: Exchange of goods, culture, and diseases between the Old World and New World.

• Major Exchanges:

  • Diseases drastically reduced indigenous populations (e.g., smallpox).

  • Food: Nutrient-rich crops introduced to Europe; staples like potatoes became common.

  • Animals: European-introduced species transformed agriculture and Native American lives.

  • Minerals: Extraction of gold and silver enhanced Spanish wealth, shaping European economies.

  • Slave Trade: Rise of the slave trade to meet labor demands in the colonies.

Commercial Revolution

• Shift from Feudalism to Capitalism: Economic changes led to the rise of cash economy and banking systems.

• Banking Innovations: Introduction of double-entry bookkeeping and joint-stock companies.

• Enclosure Movement: Led to larger land ownership and urban migration, affecting agricultural practices.