The Renaissance

The Renaissance

​

What is the Renaissance?  Why is it a “rebirth”?

​

• “Rebirth” of Greek and Roman culture following the Middle Ages. It is a rebirth because people renewed their interest in Classical (Greek (humanism) and Roman) achievements

• It is a period of great artistic, literary, and technological achievement and valued human reason to solve problems.

Multiple Choice

Which factor was common to the societies in ancient Athens and in Renaissance Italy?

• Leaders were elected by a parliament

• Humanism was the central philosophy

• Civil liberties were given to all inhabitants

• Rich landowners had little power

Multiple Choice

The revival of Greek and Roman culture, the economic growth of Italian city states and the development of humanism were aspects of the

• Age of Revolutions

• Protestant Reformation

• spread of Islam

• European Renaissance

Where did the Renaissance begin? Why?

The Renaissance began in Italy (and cities like Milan, Rome, Venice (trade and strategic location!) and Florence)

Why?

1. Italy was located as a crossroads for trade

2. Italy recovered earlier and wasn’t as impacted by the Black Death as much as some other places.

Multiple Choice

During the 1400s, Venice achieved prominence because its

• location was favorable for trade

• pleasant climate led to an increase in population

• democratic government attracted trade

• military power led to industrialization

What is humanism? What are some examples?

The belief that each person has dignity and worth AND that a person should excel and have interest in a variety of activities. ("Renaissance Man")

Generally focused more on the individual and on secular (worldly) things as well as religious things.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best expresses an idea held by many Renaissance humanist philosophers?

• governments should establish overseas empires

• individuals should withdraw from the world and study religion

• people should study worldly as well as sacred matters

• scholars should dedicate themselves to the study of life after death

Multiple Choice

What was one ideal of Renaissance humanism?

• training as a knight and practicing chivalry

• obeying divine right monarchs and the church

• living apart from the world and taking monastic vows

• investigating areas of interest and fulfilling one's potential

Multiple Choice

What was a major characteristic of the Renaissance in Europe?

• Secular achievements were emphasized

• suffrage was granted to men and women

• most literature was written in Arabic

• Most ancient Greek and Roman ideas were rejected

What are key achievements of the Renaissance?

Leonardo – Mona Lisa, Last Supper, etc. (see back)

Michelangelo – David, Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Raphael – School of Athens

Shakespeare

What are the effects of Gutenberg's printing press?

Increase literacy rates, quicker spread of ideas, books published in vernacular (local language), books are cheaper as they can more quickly be mass produced.

Helps lead to: Protestant Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Age of Exploration, Age of Enlightenment, French Revolution

Multiple Choice

Which advancement in technology revolutionized the way ideas were spread throughout western Europe in the 15th century?

• development of the astrolabe

• introduction of the telegraph

• improvements to the printing press

• creation of the telescope

Describe the key points of Niccolo Machiavelli in The Prince. What is the meaning of “the ends justify the means”?

A ruler should do whatever is necessary to stay in power and do what’s best for the kingdom.

- "The ends justify the means" - as long as you (a ruler) stay in power and do what is best for the kingdom, it doesn't matter what you have to do to reach that goal.

Multiple Choice

What is meant by Machiavelli's belief that the ends justify the means?

• Leaders may use any method to achieve what is best for the state

• The general public always acts in its own best interest

• Pleasing all of the people at any given time is possible

• Leaders must always act for the common good

Multiple Choice

Niccolo Machiavelli in The Prince advocated that a ruler should

• obtain power from a social contract with the governed

• place the needs of subjects first

• apply Christian teachings to decisions

• employ absolute power to maintain order in the areas under their rule

What are the key achievements of Leondardo da Vinci? Why is he an example of a “Renaissance Man”?

Last supper, Mona Lisa, painting, sculpting, anatomy, engineering, helicopter, tank, etc.

He is a “Renaissance Man” because he did so many different things well.