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PinkMonkey Online Study Guide-World History
2.8 Points To Remember
Meaning of Renaissance
A renewed interest in the Roman and Greek Classics. It launched a new outlook on thought and action. It was manifested in rapid progress in all spheres of activity and the unprecedented spirit of inquiry.
Causes of the Renaissance
Reason became an important ground for all issues. The most prominent thinkers like Roger Bacon and Peter Abelard had to face condemnation of the church as they spoke for the application of reason on religious concepts. Thanks to the fall of Constantinople, Greek scholars fled to various parts of Europe and spread great ideas of ancient Greece, which aroused the interest in the classics. The invention of the printing press by John Gutenberg was an important factor leading to the rapid spread of ideas throughout Europe. Explorers of new lands also contributed in the discovery of fresh ideas. Many kings and Popes patronized the movement.
Origin of the Renaissance
As Italy contained the ruins of ancient Rome it was great power and glory of ancient Romans since it. The Greek scholars escaped from Constantinople to Rome where they inculcated an interest in art among the Romans. The Italian tongue was closest to the classical Latin language and moreover, Italians are artistic in nature. With the backing of a number of traders Italy became a center of civilizations, art, culture, literature and learning with Venice and Florence as the main cities.
Features of the Renaissance
Humanism was an unprecedented amount of interest in man’s life on this earth. Petrarch was the father of Humanism. Scientific investigation was an important feature that brought in a new perspective on issues. The Renaissance period is remembered for prominen scholars like Leonardo Da Vinci and Francis Bacon who were inspired to lead richer lives as was never done before. Such distinguished men contributed to the arts, music, literature, sculpture, painting and architecture in a major way.
Growth and Spread of the Renaissance
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Literature: An important development was the use of vernacular languages (e.g. Italian instead of the classical Latin) by scholars like Dante.
Architecture: The ancient Gothic style of architecture was done away with and in its place, the ancient Greek style was accepted. Architects like Michelangelo, Rapheal and Leonardo Da Vinci were important influences. Sculpture: A scientific study of culture was made possible and a "new sculpture" came into being. This new development was fostered by sculptors like Donatello, Cellini and Michelangelo who carved precious works like St. Mark. Painting recorded the most prominent influence of the Renaissance artists, who employed novel techniques such as easel painting. Famous artists like Da Vinci, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Titian produced immortal paintings such as Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel many others. Music: Newer instruments like the violin and the piano replaced the older and less pleasant rebeck and harpsichord. It was the age of great composers and the Roman school brought forward Palestrina, the father of modern church music. Science: The experimental method was stressed upon in all kinds of inquiry. The Copernican theory (stating that the earth revolves around the sun rather than the other way round). Copernicus Kepler and Galileo were prominent influences. Sir Isaac Newton was credited with discovering the laws of gravitation.
Consequences of the Renaissance
The Renaissance is remembered most for the beginning of the new spirit of science, reason and experimentation. The unquestioned authority that the Church enjoyed was under danger probably for the first time ever. With the renewed interest in the classics, which proved a great boost to all the arts and literature. Vernacular languages were given respect and used extensively. The spirit of critical inquiry enabled the subsequent discoveries which widened human horizons in an unparalleled manner.
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Index
2.0 - Introduction
2.1 Meaning of Renaissance
2.2 Causes of the Renaissance
2.3 Origin of the Renaissance
2.4 Features of the Renaissance
2.5 Growth and spread of the Renaissance
2.6 Consequences of the Renaissance
2.7 Dates & Events
2.8 Points to Remember
Chapter 3
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