Unit 1: The Renaissance Overview

Unit 1: The Renaissance

• The Renaissance was a period of economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism.
• Early forms of capitalism emerged.
• Double-entry bookkeeping was developed.
• Joint-stock companies with multiple shareholders were established.
• Agriculture remained a primary source of livelihood
• Inflation occurred due to the price revolution.
• The population decreased due to economic issues.
• European exploration resulted in significant economic shifts.

The Renaissance: Social Aspects

• Social classes were determined by wealth.
• Nobles, merchants, workers, and peasants formed distinct social groups.
• Women's roles were often limited to domestic settings and nurturing.
• Men predominantly held positions in business, politics, and education.
• Prestige was achieved through the patronage of art.
• Wealthy families such as the Medici played a significant role in supporting artistic endeavors.
• The rise of the merchant class led to an increase in economic power and influence.

The Renaissance: Political Aspects

• Political power shifted from feudal structures to centralized states.
• City-states gained autonomy and control.
• Rulers used taxation to consolidate power.
• The development of standing armies contributed to centralized power.
• The concept of a "good ruler" was outlined, as in The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli.

The Renaissance: Religious Aspects

• The authority of the Church was challenged.
• Secularism began to emerge.
• Reform movements challenged the established religious order within Christendom.
• Religious reformers sought to purify and reform religious dogma.
• New religious institutions began to develop, such as Protestantism.

The Renaissance: Economic Aspects

• The commercial revolution facilitated economic growth.
• Increased power for merchants and financiers.
• Exploration and trade fueled economic development.
• The growth of banking and finance impacted economic systems.
• Wealth was often displayed through the creation of art.

The Renaissance: Intellectual/Arts Aspects

• Humanism emphasized human potential.
• Secularism reduced the influence of religious dogma.
• Classical texts were rediscovered and studied extensively.
• Art witnessed a revival of classical themes.
• Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael produced masterpieces.
• Innovations in technology and engineering were commonplace.

Age of Exploration

• European powers explored new lands and trade routes.
• The desire for spices and luxury goods drove exploration.
• New technologies were utilized for navigation and exploration.
• The Columbian Exchange resulted in the exchange of goods, crops, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
• The transatlantic slave trade emerged.
• Wealth was amassed through trade, colonization, and acquisition of resources.

Technology and Exploration

• New technologies assisted exploration.
• Ships, such as caravels, became more advanced, allowing for longer voyages.
• Navigation tools like the compass became essential.
• Cartography improved navigational accuracy.
• Military technologies, like cannons, amplified conquest.

Political Developments during the Age of Exploration

• European monarchs consolidated their power.
• The rise of nation-states marked a transition from feudal systems.
• Treaties like the Treaty of Tordesillas divided newly discovered lands among European powers.
• Exploration led to the establishment of colonies and imperial structures.