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1.1 The Modern Age in the History of Europe
The birth of the Modern Age in the history of Europe
resulted in a number of scientific inventions, geographical findings
and revolutionary ideas. These affected not only the lives of the
common Europeans, but it brought far-reaching changes in the whole
of Europe.
The period of the Renaissance symbolizes the transition
from the medieval world to the modern age. When Constantinople fell
into the hands of the Turks, most of the scholars belonging to Greece
took shelter in Italy. The ideas and thoughts of these scholars
spread in Italy. Due to this a new wind of knowledge started to
blow there. This encouraged perceptive people to question the out-moded
attitudes of people and the blind acceptance of orders from the
ruling authorities. It asserted the dignity of human beings and
the personality of every individual.
Exhibit 1.1
A painting depicting the siege of Constantinople by the Turks
Click here to enlarge
1.1a Landmarks of the Renaissance
European Scholars revived the learning of Greek
and Roman cultures. This appreciation contained the basic elements
that brought about revolutionary changes in the socio-economic and
political areas of Europe. In 1443, when these scholars took shelter
in Italy, they contributed to the spread of ideas. These ideas were
new modes of thought and different approaches to life. The very
idea of blindly following authority (as in medieval times) was now
questioned. Men started to look towards freedom and liberal ideas
with great interest. They were no longer ready to suffer repression.
They started asserting the dignity of man, his labor and appreciated
his individualism.
i. Humanism and its Importance
The spirit of Humanism spread with the wave of
"Modern learning" and classical liberalism. Every aspect
of the ‘human person’ was studied in depth. The Medieval Church
had discouraged progressive ideas on human affairs, and had strongly
supported self-repression and asceticism.
Exhibit 1.2
Desidirus Erasmus
The writings of Erasmus influenced men intensely.
Through his writings he was successful in bringing about religious
reform. He criticized the ignorance and credulity of monks though
he himself became priest and doctor of sacred theology.
If the humanists were critical of the church and
of Christianity as popularly practiced in Europe in the early 16th
century, many were quite unsympathetic about the religious upheaval
which later in the century, produced Protestantism and promoted
religious intolerance and fanaticism. It was only Melanchthon,
among these early humanists, who actually seceded from the Catholic
Church. However, he was peculiarly compromising and was only a mild
Protestant. Outside the universities the humanities were especially
fostered by a new institution. This was the Academy, a voluntary
association that arose in a particular city or locality in imitation
of the ancient academy of Plato. It patronized the pursuit and publication
of scholarly, literary and scientific studies.
ii. Culture and its Freedom
In the "Middle Ages" learning and culture
were sectarian as the Christian church had dominance in the fields
of art, science and letters. As a popular secular movement, the
Renaissance helped to promote a spirit of individualism. At a certain
point in time it also assumed the character of a revolt against
the ecclesiastical monopoly on life and culture, thus, freeing the
latter from the vicious hold of the church. The spirit of critical
inquiry and a wider outlook towards life resulted in the freedom
from ecclesiastical tutelage.
iii. The Activities of Arts
Newer and livelier trends were developed in architecture,
sculpture, music etc. The Renaissance focused attention on Pagan
culture and all its aspects came under its direct influence. This
led to the development of multi-dimensional arts. Michaelangelo,
Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Tiran etc. were
some of the great artists of this age. Although their art was basically
Christian, the Renaissance encouraged the adaptation of classical
art forms.
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