The Renaissance: European Social and Cultural Change

Overview

• Period: 14th to 16th centuries
• Birthplace: Italy
• Transition from Medieval to modern era
• Movement incorporating artistic, cultural, scientific, and social reforms

Reasons for Italian Renaissance

• Historical past of Italy (classical spirit)
• Italy lacked deep-rooted medieval influences
• Crusades boosted commercial traffic, enriching Italian cities
• Emergence of bourgeoisie (bankers, merchants, industrialists)
• Shift from divine will to personal ability

Characteristics of the Middle Ages

• Conformism and fear in society
• Predominantly Catholic teachings, little exposure to education
• Science was poorly understood
• Dissent against the Church was met with severe punishment (e.g., heresy)

Transition to Renaissance

• Gradual shift from feudal to mercantile society
• Revival of scientific research and universities
• Separation of art from craft
• Significant milestones: Turkish conquest of Constantinople (1453), Gutenberg's printing press, Copernicus' heliocentric theory
• Navigation improvements: Astrolabe, nocturne, nautical charts
• Emergence of Humanism (focus on humanity over divinity)

Impact on Political Theory

• Emergence of political thinkers like Dante and Machiavelli
• Separation of civil and ecclesiastical authority

Economic and Social Changes

• Cultural exchange between East and West
• Development of cities and towns
• Shift from feudal self-sufficiency to urban merchant and manufacturing centers
• Growth of secularization, reducing Church's influence

Revival of Classical Studies

• Important role of Medieval monasteries in preserving classical works

Rationalism and Scientism

• Belief in reason and science for explanation
• Prominent scientists: Copernicus, Galileo, Santa Cruz, Servetus, Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance Art

• Influence of Greek and Roman antiquity
• Use of classical architectural elements
• Emphasis on human anatomy and perspective in painting and sculpture
• Introduction of new themes: portraits, mythological subjects
• Notable artists and writers: Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Alighieri, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Shakespeare, Rabelais, Garcilaso de la Vega

Renaissance in Different European Regions

• Multiple regional renaissances
• Varying expressions and timings across Europe