Questions and Answers
What was one result of increased trade with Asia and other regions during the Crusades?
What were the names of three northern Italian city-states that became wealthy due to commerce?
Venice, Milan, Florence
What did the renewed interest in classical learning during the Renaissance involve?
The Medici family was known for their role in agriculture.
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What was a significant outcome of the increased desire for scientific and technical knowledge during the Renaissance?
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What motivated Renaissance artists in their work?
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Study Notes
Causes of the Renaissance
- Increased trade with Asia and beyond was spurred by the Crusades, leading to economic growth.
- Population decline in Europe allowed for more efficient food production, resulting in higher demand for agricultural goods and regional specialization.
Growth of City-States
- Wealthy city-states like Venice, Milan, and Florence emerged as commercial hubs in northern Italy.
- Social hierarchy within city-states was dominated by the Roman Catholic Church, nobles, merchants, and artisans, with merchants acting as bankers or traders.
- Venice's strategic location facilitated its economic dominance through maritime trade.
Classical Learning Resurgence
- The Renaissance was significantly influenced by Italy's prosperous cities and affluent merchant class.
- Scholars rediscovered ancient Greek and Roman texts that were believed to be lost, enriching education and learning.
- Access to Arabic texts expanded the Renaissance thinkers’ perspectives on art, philosophy, and science.
Rise of Merchant Patrons
- Powerful merchant families, such as the Medicis in Florence and the Sforzas in Milan, became influential patrons of the arts.
- Their financial support led to the flourishing of artistic endeavors and cultural achievements during the Renaissance.
Scientific Inquiry Expansion
- There was a growing fascination with scientific and technical knowledge, which began to challenge established church doctrines.
- While humanist scholars primarily focused on history, geography, and politics, new explorations into the natural world started to emerge.
Urban Aesthetics
- Renaissance artists aimed to depict the natural world with realism, moving away from the more abstract styles of the Middle Ages.
- The architectural inspiration was drawn from classical Greek and Roman designs, contributing to the aesthetic transformation of urban spaces.
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Description
Explore key causes that sparked the Renaissance with these flashcards. Learn about increased trade with Asia, the rise of wealthy city-states, and other critical factors that influenced this transformative period in history. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of Renaissance origins.
