Ch 22: The Renaissance in World History: Help and Review

1. The Renaissance Timeline: Events Overview

Between the Hundred Years War and the peace treaties of Westphalia, an astonishing number of significant historical events occurred. Develop an understanding of the timeline from the 1300s to the early 1600s which form the time periods of, respectively: The Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Discovery, and the Elizabethan Era.

2. The Italian Renaissance and Italy's Transformation

Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance, a historical period in which people had a renewed interest in education, art, and philosophy of ancient Greeks and Romans. Learn about many of the reasons why the Renaissance began in Italy such as its location, and the transformation of the country driven by its wealthy merchant class in the 14th century.

3. Humanism in the Renaissance: Recognizing the Beauty of the Individual

As the power of the Church declined near the beginning of the 14th century, the study of humanism and the idea of individual independence greatly increased. Discover more about how disenchantment from the bubonic plague, the rise of the market economy, and the downfall of the feudal system prompted humanism, individual interests and independence, and creativity and helped usher in the Renaissance.

4. Renaissance Art: Artists, Paintings, Sculptures & Architecture

The Renaissance was a period of time in the 14th century when art became centered on the individual and Earthly experiences rather than the mystical or ethereal. Discover how humanism shaped the art of the Renaissance and identify Greek and Roman influences on artists, paintings, sculptures, and architecture.

5. The House of Medici: Rise and Fall of a Banking Family

Italy's Medici family had a great deal of power and influence during the Renaissance period. Learn about the House of Medici and explore the rise and fall of a banking family. Become familiar with central figures in the Medici family, including Giovanni, Cosimo, Lorenzo, and the Medici Popes.

6. The Birth of Parliament: Monarchs vs. the Aristocracy

The birth of parliaments involved the middle class in the government of monarchies, at least to some extent. Explore how monarchs consolidated their power by giving voice to the middle class, as well as by challenging the church and the aristocracy. Furthermore, learn various related definitions, including Renaissance, Feudalism, and parliament, as well as challenges faced by the church, the middle class, and the aristocracy.

7. The Renaissance Economy: The Rise of Banking

Due to the increase in commercial activity during the Renaissance, the banking industry began to expand to make it easier for merchants to conduct business away from home. Learn more about the rise of banking in the Renaissance era, the Black Plague's impact, double system entry, and bills of exchange.

8. The Formation of Modern Nation States

The collapse of feudalism and the waning control of the Church resulted in a proliferation of European nation-states in the 15th century. Discover how new trade routes and powerful monarchs helped change the political landscape of Europe for centuries to come.

9. The Renaissance Heresies of Wycliffe and Hus

John Wycliffe was a revolutionary who utilized the words of the Bible to rally against church authority, membership, and traditions while continuing his practices through his followers, such as Jan Hus. Learn more about the the Renaissance heresies of Wycliffe and Hus, and understand their importance in history.

10. The Northern Renaissance

Many great works came from artists such as Erasmus, More, Durer, and Vermeer during the Northern Renaissance, which followed the Italian Renaissance. Learn more about the Northern Renaissance, understand how it spread from the Italian Renaissance, and identify the three main differences between the two movements.

11. Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales tackled themes on social rank, the position of women, and the corruption of the Church. Explore this English classic by Geoffrey Chaucer through the stories of pilgrims making their way to Canterbury Cathedral.

12. France and the Valois at the End of the 100 Years War

The Valois monarchy rose to power following the conclusion of the Hundred Years War, rejuvenating French patriotism. Track the changes in militarism and feudalism in France, and how security was achieved through centralized government.

13. England's Wars of the Roses

England's Wars of the Roses was a decades-long conflict fought between the York and Lancaster royal families. Explore the families involved, the history and outcome of the wars, and the belief in the divine right of kings.

14. England and the Tudors at the End of the Wars of the Roses

The Tudor household had five monarchs that influenced society, and played a role in the Wars of the Roses. Learn about the rise of their dynasty, their involvement with the Henrys, Award VI and Mary, and Elizabeth I, as well as the church.

15. Leonardo da Vinci: Biography

Leonardo da Vinci is known for his numerous scientific findings and influential artwork. Dive deeper into da Vinci's biography and learn about his early years, his use of perspective in art, and his many inventions and scientific contributions.

16. Reconquista and Spanish Inquisition

The Spanish Reconquista was an attempt to end Muslim control of Spain that led to the Spanish Inquisition. Explore this timeline of events, from the expulsion of Muslims and Jews to the rise of the Inquisition, that included the use of torture devices.

17. How the Compass Helped Columbus

Thanks to the invention of the magnetic compass in the 15th century, Columbus was able to traverse the Atlantic Ocean and reach the Americas safely. Learn more about how Columbus contributed to the difference between true and magnetic north, redefined dead reckoning and celestial navigation, and revolutionized exploration.

18. How the Printing Press Changed the World

The printing press changed the world in numerous ways, as it allowed ideas to be distributed more easily. Learn about the history of the printing press from wood block-printing to moveable type, and discover the impact it had on society, religion, and literacy.

19. The School of Athens by Raphael: Description, Figures & Analysis

During the Italian Renaissance of the 16th century, the artist Raphael painted The School of Athens, one of the most influential paintings from that time. Explore the background of this painting and examine the details to better understand why it was so influential.

20. Hieronymus Bosch: Biography & Paintings

Hieronymus Bosch was a Netherlandish painter during the 1400s who was known for religious images of fantasy and demons. Read more about his life and examine some of his detailed, imaginative works more closely.

21. Biography of Raphael: Paintings, Architecture & Major Works

The renaissance artist Raphael contributed major works of paintings and architecture to his time. Learn more about his life, the development of his artistic techniques and most famous works and his commissions from Pope Julius II and Leo X.