Key Concepts of Renaissance, Scientific Revolution, and Industrial Revolution

RENAISSANCE (Early 1400s)

• Before the Renaissance:

  • Society was a mix of rural and urban lifestyles.
  • Majority were peasants working on farmlands.
  • A few individuals worked as merchants in small towns.
  • Education for the upper class was provided exclusively by monks focused on biblical teachings.
  • Church hierarchy included:
  • The Pope: Acts as the spiritual leader, often viewed as a king.
  • Priests: Work in local churches, serving the peasant population.
  • Cardinals and Bishops: Considered upper-class within church ranks.
  • Church attendees were required to donate 10% of their income (Tithing) and attend church daily or risk exclusion.

• Key Changes and New Ideas:

  • Humanism:
  • Focus on the importance of history and education as central to life.
  • Individualism:
  • Emphasis on personal influence and achievements in society.
  • Secularism:
  • Recognition of individual accomplishments outside of religious contexts.

• Notable Figures:

  • Michelangelo: An influential artist of the period.
  • Leonardo da Vinci: A polymath who played a crucial role in the Renaissance.

• Effects of Changes:

  • Resistance against traditional authority, particularly that of the church.

• Causes of the Renaissance:

  • Increased Trade:
  • Growth in Western European trade due to surplus goods.
  • Prosperity laid the groundwork for a wealthier merchant class.
  • Key City Centers: Venice and Florence became hubs of cultural and economic activity.
  • Machiavelli: Influential thinker known for his political theories.
  • Vernacular Literature:
  • Use of local languages making education more accessible to all classes.

SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION (Early 17th Century)

• Before the Scientific Revolution:

  • Knowledge was predominantly controlled by the Catholic Church based on biblical texts.
  • Old scientific beliefs such as the geocentric theory (Earth at the center of the universe) prevailed.

• Key Changes in Education:

  • Shift from church-based knowledge to empirical science and observation.

• Notable Contributors:

  • Copernicus:
  • Proposed the heliocentric theory (sun at the center of the universe).
  • Galileo:
  • Invented the telescope, confirming Copernicus's theories with new observations.
  • Newton:
  • Developed the law of universal gravitation.

• Scientific Theories Developed:

  • Heliocentrism:
  • Stars, earth, and planets revolve around the sun.
  • Scientific Method:
  • Employs a structured approach:
    1. Identify a problem
    2. Formulate a hypothesis
    3. Conduct experiments and gather data.
  • Deductive Reasoning:
  • Use of logical conclusions drawn from experiments.

• Effects of the Scientific Revolution:

  • Challenged the Catholic Church's teachings regarding the universe.
  • Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton's theories raised significant opposition from the Church.
  • Galileo faced house arrest for his public confession against his findings.
  • Scientific method and theories prompted reevaluation of established truths through empirical data.
  • The Renaissance's focus on humanism sparked new scientific theories countering church doctrine.
  • European exploration increased, leading to broader knowledge and idea dissemination.
  • Printing press invention played a key role in spreading scientific and secular ideas.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (1820)

• Before the Industrial Revolution:

  • Predominantly agrarian economy with work conditions:
  • Farming and home-based textile production.
  • Transportation reliant on sailing ships and horse-drawn wagons.

• Key Changes to Work:

  • Textiles Production: Emphasis on machine-based manufacturing of fabrics (cotton, linen, wool).
  • Mechanization: Introduction of machinery to transform production processes.
  • Steam Engine:
  • A pivotal invention utilizing coal to produce steam for driving machines.
  • Urbanization: Growth of cities aligning with industrial efforts.
  • Industrialization: The overall shift towards innovative inventions boosting production capacities.

• Effects of the Industrial Revolution:

  • Mechanization significantly increased manufacturing efficiency.
  • Steam engine innovation led to the development of locomotives enhancing transport.
  • New inventions proliferated, creating a cycle of innovation.
  • Work became less labor-intensive for humans, as machines took over.

• List of Changes in Working Conditions:

  • Child labor prevalent in industries, often leading to unsafe working conditions.
  • Cluttered and unsanitary factory environments.
  • Advocacy for better regulations and workplace safety standards.
  • Recognition that children should prioritize education over work, leading to diminishing child labor practices.
  • Efforts aimed at improving living conditions in urban settings.

• Causes of the Industrial Revolution:

  • Introduction and use of the steam engine, facilitating mechanized labor.
  • Development of mechanization processes that reduced the need for human workers.