The Renaissance: Rebirth of Classical Ideas and the Impact of the Bubonic Plague

1. Renaissance • Birthplace – Italy • Suffering leads to need for new/classical ideas • Questioned the church on why they had to suffer • Medieval ideas blocked social advancement • Renaissance means “rebirth” Why Italy? (large cities, wealthy merchant class, large towns, urban)

2. Bubonic Plague • How did the Bubonic Plague affect the Renaissance movement? • Killed 60% of the population in the cities • With fewer laborers – demanded higher wages • Reduced population shrunk opportunities for business expansion • Wealthy merchants began to pursue other things like art

3. Medici Family • Because of the increased trade due to the Crusades, the merchant class was the wealthiest • Merchants did not inherit status – but felt they deserved it because of what they had accomplished on their own • Medici family wealthiest • Basically a dictator • Supported the arts

4. Classical Ideas and Humanism • They studied classical ideas: Greek and Roman • Classical ideas led to humanism • Human potential and achievement • Encouraged studies of history, literature, philosophy = humanities • Were secular – remained devout Catholics, but felt that people could enjoy life with offending God Popes and wealthy merchants became patrons

5. “Renaissance Man” • Was educated in many areas • Expected to create art Renaissance Women - know the classics - be charming - not seek fame - inspire art not create it

6. Northern Renaissance • By 1400’s the spread of the Renaissance reached Northern Europe • Merchants carried the ideas north • 100 Year’s War had ended • Population from the Bubonic Plague was recovering • Cities and wealth grew • Patrons began to sponsor artists and writers

7. France and England were under monarchs – unlike Italy • Rulers and wealthy merchants began to sponsor artists • France invites da Vinci to retire there Royal Courts • Played role in spread of Renaissance ideas • Every court wanted to be on the cutting edge

8. Renaissance Ideas of the North • Renaissance ideas mingled with northern traditions • Were more concerned with religious ideas than secular ideas of Italy • This caused a push for religious reform based on Christian values Students fleeing a French invasion of Italy carry ideas to Northern Europe

9. Gutenberg’s Printing Press • Presses paper against a tray full of linked movable type • Allowed hundreds of copies of the same page • Affordable for all • Spread ideas • Many books were in vernacular – so even those not classically educated could read them

10. Gutenberg’s Bible • Used his printing press to print the complete Bible • First full sized book printed with movable type • Bible eventually printed in vernacular • Allowed people to interpret the Bible for themselves and they became more critical of priests and their behavior • Leads to demands for religious reform