Premium Essay

Renaissance: What Caused It?

In:

Submitted By drew671
Words 700
Pages 3
The Renaissance is the coined term for a period of rebirth that spread throughout Europe between the 14th and 16th centuries (Brotton, 28). All forms of knowledge, art, and expression manifested into new directions and aspirations. It was a major building block in the advancement of human thought. The Renaissance focused on learning through natural sciences and newfound knowledge rather than accepting older teachings (Brotton, 39). It fostered curiosity and innovation in many industries and aspects of life. In a sense, it was a new chapter or book in our human history index. The Renaissance also paved the way for the Protest Reformation to eventually occur (Brotton, 101). There are many factors that led the Renaissance to occur. It was a combination of the Crusades and the Mongols expansion that began under Genghis Khan that led to the fruition of the Renaissance. The Crusades brought the two worlds of Islam and Christianity in a manner like never before. The death toll of the Crusades varies among academia between one and five million people (Madden, 172). Besides all the bloodshed, the Crusades allowed Europeans to rediscover new forms of art, expressions, and ways of life. Europe became too involved in their feudal and monarchy type systems. They had forgotten the importance of the arts and sciences and were more focused on building fortunes and spreading salvation. Europeans, by way of the Crusades, were astonished at the advancements of the Muslim world and sought to learn and capitalize from it (Madden, 156). The Abassid Empire, the Muslim empire, stored the knowledge of past civilizations and continued to utilize them (Madden, 158). Greek and Roman teachings on mathematics, anatomy, medicine, biology, physics, and more were protected by the Abassid Empire (Madden, 159). These ancient Greek and Roman teachings that disappeared during the Middle Ages were

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

What Caused The Renaissance To Ignite?

...Class and Professor, There were many factors that came together in 14th century Italy that caused the Renaissance to ignite. One major factor was the Medici family, which controlled Florence throughout much of the Renaissance, and played a large part in the patronage of the arts and the political development of the city (Sayre, 2011). Another factor was the wide spread belief in humanism, and Neoplatonism. One other factor could be that is was the end of the Middle Ages which rejected the ideas of old in favor of soteriology, and after enduring such hardships as the Black Death, people were read to fuse the old ideas of art, beauty, and individuality, with a fresh perspective. As Sayre (2011) states, Where the Middle Ages had been an age...

Words: 261 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Renaissance and Reformantiom

...Renaissance and Reformation Effects The Renaissance began in the 1300s in Florence, Italy and reached to the 15th Century where it spread to the whole Western Europe. Renaissance means “rebirth” because of its changes from the primitive medieval times to the modern Renaissance. Both, the Renaissance and the Reformation had many effect on the European society and some of their impacts were combined. They believed that the human spirit had to be reawakened as it was in the classical times of Greece and the Roman Empire. Many new inventions, techniques and ideas helped to change the human society and caused a spiritual and religious crisis that shatters the Christian unity known as the Reformation. Many elements affected the social economic in the Renaissance. Everything began with the humanist as they revived an interest in ancient Greece and Rome to increase their understanding of their own times. During the process of this time period the society shifts from agriculture to urban in which trade is inter-regional and growing fast. The growth of trade helped the merchants to become powerful money leaders and developed a new middle class. In one hand the Renaissance effected individual scholars, writers, artists, wealth merchants and ruler could patronize the arts. But in the other hand the peasants still had their old simple life’s in which they had to work hard and fight for staying alive. But not only had the economy changed, there were also some changes in fine arts, where...

Words: 673 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Middle Ages Dbq

...characterized by an immense decline in art, learning, advancements, and much more. The Renaissance was a period in Europe that brought about many changes to Europe. It lasted from around 1300 until 1600. The French word “renaissance” translates to “rebirth” or “revival” in English. During the Middle Ages, people were focused on religion and going to heaven in the afterlife. Life on Earth was full of suffering and sadness, and people believed anything that the Church said, even without the evidence. However, the late Middle Ages caused new attitudes and ways of thinking to spread across Europe. People regained interest in Greek and Roman art. The focus of art was no longer religion, and it displayed the beauty of man....

Words: 1391 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Harlem Renaissance Research Paper

...Many could argue that the Harlem Renaissance left no long lasting impact on the art and culture seen today. However, it can also be argued that the effects of the movement will still be heard and seen long after the current generation is gone.The Harlem renaissance was a cultural reemergence that greatly impacted America as a whole, and in the present day you can still see the lasting effects of this movement on art and African American culture today. The reclamation of the Black Identity The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great change in America, and it was during this movement that we saw the true African identity integrated with what is considered the African American Identity as we know it today. The African American population largely...

Words: 668 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Role of the Church in the Development of Modern Medicine Throughout the Middle Ages

...and the Western world was under the control of the Church. The religious aspects of medieval European peoples were a great consideration in the matters of the body and health care. The majority of medical knowledge and research was under the influence and followed the expressed ideas of the Church. As the hold of the Church on society began to disintegrate, medicine was able to move from medieval practices influenced by religious belief into modern medicine, based upon observation and evidence. Causes of disease and illness were now understood and scientists were able to start searching for cures because restrictions that prevented modern medical theories from being discovered were lifted. Paracelsus discovered that agents outside the body caused illness. The study of the human anatomy was now practiced and became an essential part of medical knowledge, giving way towards new modern advancements such as blood transfusions and surgeries. Da Vinci conducted many autopsies and constructed detailed drawings of the human anatomy, which had never been studied earlier. Medical knowledge was no longer different and divided into sects but was now centralized under the modern scientific teachings taught to doctors in universities everywhere. As the culture of the Middle Ages moved away from the Church and religion so did scientific knowledge, and without this change medicine would never have been able to shift from the ideas following religious belief into observation and experimentation. ...

Words: 3196 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

American Culture In The 1920s Essay

...What trends and innovations shaped American culture during the 1920s? There was many trends and innovations that changed the American culture during the 1920s including new technology, communication, and the knowledge of science. New technology created the automobiles and airplanes which improved transportation. Communication and entertainment increased due to radio’s and movies. And media and popularity helped promote sports. These are only a couple of innovations that shaped America. Technology changed American life forever with the automobiles and airplanes. The automobiles allowed families to move further away from the cities, lowered unemployment rates, increased industries and mass production, and brought excitement and adventure to...

Words: 882 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Renaissance Art

...What Were the Characteristics of the Renaissance? In very simple terms, the Italian Renaissance re-established Western art according to the principles of classical Greek art, especially Greek sculpture and painting, which provided much of the basis for the Grand Tour, and which remained unchallenged until Pablo Picasso and Cubism. From the early 14th century, in their search for a new set of artistic values and a response to the courtly International Gothic style, Italian artists and thinkers became inspired by the ideas and forms of ancient Greece and Rome. This was perfectly in tune with their desire to create a universal, even noble, form of art which could express the new and more confident mood of the times. Renaissance Philosophy of Humanism Above all, Renaissance art was driven by the new notion of "Humanism," a philosophy which had been the foundation for many of the achievements (eg. democracy) of pagan ancient Greece. Humanism downplayed religious and secular dogma and instead attached the greatest importance to the dignity and worth of the individual. Effect of Humanism on Art In the visual arts, humanism stood for (1) the emergence of the individual figure, in place of stereotyped, or symbolic figures. (2) Greater realism and consequent attention to detail, as reflected in the development of linear perspective and the increasing realism of human faces and bodies; this new approach helps to explain why classical sculpture was so revered, and why Byzantine art...

Words: 1465 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

World War II Dialectic Connections

...Hitler & Germany The oaths actually represented the same thing both swore to protect the leader and not the state also gave the leader power to do what they desire also the leader did whatever they did for themselves instead of the state. 8. Renaissance- Printing Press The Renaissance basically made way for the printing press or in other words it created the printing press. 9. Invention of printing press- Fall of Constantinople After the renaissance and the invention of the printing press it caused Constantinople to plummet also helped the people realize that they rather be free than live under order their entire lives. 10. Peace of Augsburg- German...

Words: 1037 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Renaissance Research Paper

...The Renaissance of Italy was one of the most important times in History. Renaissance can be translated to “rebirth”. The Renaissance was a movement of learning and art that took place from 1300 A.C. to1600 A.C. It began in Italy and eventually spread to other places in Europe. Changes in European society, trade expansion, and different ways of thinking all inspired the birth of the Renaissance. One of the origins of the Renaissance was when feudalism ended, which changed European society that allowed people to start living their own life. Feudalism was a political hierarchy with several levels of power. Nobles (lords) in this hierarchy were given land from the King, and in return, they had to give the King soldiers and their loyalty. Peasants labored for the lords for very low pay. Many lords lost their power when England and France were bought together and were controlled by a Central Government. Lious X, a king...

Words: 440 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Midevil

...After visiting both the Medieval times and the Renaissance, I consider myself a Renaissance person. I prefer the Renaissance over Medieval times because during the renaissance period people were not to concern with the church. The church was the reason the Christian world was divided into many religions. in the Medieval times, people were competing against each other because of their different beliefs about the church and God. On the other hand, renaissance stressed the significance of the individual and the individual talent. in addition, while medieval scholars had studied ancient Greek and roman documents to learn about god and Christianity, renaissance scholars studied them to discover more about human nature. Also renaissance art had more emotion and brighter colors. Artist also used perspectives and more oil paints. In the medieval times/middle ages, there was a lack of perspective and less emotion. In the renaissance period there was a more advanced technology. People had access to the printing press and other new inventions. Another thing I liked was that in the renaissance period most people got married because they were in love and not because someone else choose their partner as it was in medieval times. Another characteristic of the renaissance time I loved was, the fact that woman were being educated. Explain a reason why Native Americans were populated diminshed. The impact Europeans made when coming in contact with Americans...

Words: 523 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Causes Of The Renaissance In The North

...The Renaissance in the North took started the late 1490s. Many factors caused the Renaissance to take place; cities were recovering from the Hundred Years' War, the Bubonic Plague, and the wealthy people began hiring and funding artists. Around c. 1450, the Gutenberg printing press was invented, which is one of the greatest accomplishments in the Northern Renaissance. The printing press allowed scholars, humanists, and people in general to spread their thoughts and beliefs with the world which opened the eyes of many. The Protestant Reformation and the translation of the Bible from original languages to common languages such as German and French, also happened during the Northern Renaissance. The Bible being translated into more...

Words: 296 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Rise of Medicine and Medical Care

...The Rise of Medicine and Medical Care A period of growing interests and a time of “rebirth” known as the Renaissance, led to many discoveries about medicine. This was a time to learn new knowledge and make advances in the medical area. Breakthroughs were happening all throughout this time which soon led to the realization that the heart pumps blood around the body. This was one factor that helped doctors find ways to help the wounded. The dissection of bodies soon came to be very useful for performing surgeries and learning more about how the body works. With new knowledge about the structure of the human body, doctors were able to develop new approaches to the study of physiology and anatomy to help prevent and cure diseases for the people of the Renaissance. In the early stages of the Renaissance, there was the theory of the Four Humors. It said that illnesses were caused when the Four Humors, or liquids in the body known as blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, were out of balance. Doctors tried to make the sick well by restoring the balance of the humors. This was done by bleeding or purging the patient to reduce the quantity of the humor believed to be overpowering the other humors. This theory was still thought to be true later on, but used different methods to balance out the body instead of bleeding the patient (Barber 5). Many times, women were the ones to go to if someone was ill. The women used herbal remedies that they mixed themselves to help...

Words: 1886 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Harlem Renaissance Research Paper

...The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance was a 20th century movement of diverse art forms occurring in New York City. During the time this change was referred to as "New Negro Movement” (Johnston). The movement was responsible for giving new opportunities to African American artists. Additionally, the Harlem Renaissance empowered everyday black Americans that were discriminated against. During this time, there were several notable figures that helped lead and expand the movement. As a result, the Harlem Renaissance has made an enormous cultural impact in the United States. The initial emergence of the Harlem Renaissance can be traced back to 1865. During this time, African Americans were experiencing their first chance of freedom. After...

Words: 954 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Renaissance Dbq

...The Renaissance occurred right after the devastating plague that killed half of Venice and Florence. The Renaissance sparked many revelations to the world’s smartest minds like Plato and Petrarch, or even the gifted business man. Cosimo de Medici. The plague also caused the influential rise of the middle class, containing the serfs who now took over the jobs that were once held by previous middle class before the plague. Pope Innocent III seemed to be against the rise of the middle class. He believed that seeking ambition, or trying to rise to a higher class is useless. Pope Innocent III believed that humans already had a miserable life and the rise of any class would make everyone’s lives even more miserable. He did not want change. Petrarch who was born before the Renaissance and the plague, was a very smart, young man. He was also the first humanist. In his excerpt taken from “The Ascent of Mont Ventoux”, he talks about reaching the top of the highest mountain. This document reflects to the idea of the act of accomplishment; doing the impossible. When he came across the Vellum scrolls, he was compelled to share the beauty and knowledge of the ancient times including human accomplishment. This movement called humanism, influenced the art in the Renaissance, and the buildings. Petrarch’s movement was influential in the class system because Petrarch was part of the middle class. He attracted many people who saw the beauty in the ancient text. Boccaccio, who was a humanist and...

Words: 319 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Who Is Machiavelli's The Prince?

...The Prince illustrates the increasingly secular outlook of the Renaissance by describing the fortunes that were acquired during those times as a result of dubious politics. These fortunes are directed towards Lorenzo Medici, the prince this book is dedicated too, which basically is like a guidebook for how to be the greatest prince in all the land. Not only does The Prince describe the fortunes of the Renaissance, but also how to acquire these fortunes with strength and power. An important aspect of the Renaissance was the introduction of humanism, which is the belief that human beings are worthy of scrutiny and are genuinely good creatures with potential value. By reading The Prince, I felt that the sinister tactics of gaining absolute power...

Words: 815 - Pages: 4