AP European History: The Renaissance

Introduction

• Lecturer: Steve Heimler
• Series on AP European History
• Focus of video: The Renaissance

What is the Renaissance?

• Definition: "Rebirth"
• European movement rediscovering classical texts of Greece and Rome
• Significant changes in political, economic, cultural fabric of Europe
• Began in Italy, influenced primarily the elite

Key Figure: Petrarch

• Considered "father of the Renaissance"
• Developed philosophy of Humanism
  • Focused on human potential
• Rediscovered classical texts, including Cicero
• Introduced Philology (study of language)

Philology and Language

• Lorenzo Valla's contributions
  • Identified development stages in Latin
  • Questioned authority of Church documents due to language discrepancies

Humanism

• Emphasized human potential and secularism
• Secularism: separation of religious belief from society
• Individualism: focus on individual's potential

The Printing Press

• Invented in 1440s
• Spread Renaissance ideas rapidly
• Challenged institutional powers like universities

Education and Humanism

• Emphasis on liberal studies (rhetoric, grammar, logic, history, moral philosophy)
  • Cultivated intellectual and virtuous thinking
• Led to Civic Humanism

Key Figures in Civic Humanism

• Baldassare Castiglione: "The Courtier"
  • Guide for behavior in society
  • Emphasized education, eloquence, strength, mental alertness
• Leonardo Bruni: "The New Cicero"
  • Education should serve the state

Political Thought

• Niccolò Machiavelli: "The Prince"
  • Politics focused on maintaining power
  • Ruler must do whatever necessary to preserve power

Renaissance Art

• Shift from religious themes to include personal, political, classical themes
• Emphasized Naturalism and Geometric Perspective
  • Examples: Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper"

Key Artists

• Michelangelo: Sculpture of David
  • Combination of religious themes and humanist influence
• Raphael: "School of Athens"
  • Classical themes, geometric perspective
• Filippo Brunelleschi: Architecture
  • Designed San Lorenzo in Florence with Roman influences

Patronage in the Arts

• Wealthy individuals and power figures like the Medici family supported artists

Conclusion

• Renaissance marked significant changes in Europe
• Influenced politics, education, art, and social structures

Additional Resources

• Suggestions to explore more on Unit 1 videos and review packs
• Encouragement for further study and resources