290 likes | 300 Views
Renaissance Unit. The Upheaval in Christendom (1300 - 1560). Important Questions. What does the term “Renaissance” mean? How was the Renaissance manifested in politics, government, and social organization? Did the Renaissance involve shifts in religious attitudes?. From the City of God
E N D
Renaissance Unit The Upheaval in Christendom (1300 - 1560)
Important Questions • What does the term “Renaissance” mean? • How was the Renaissance manifested in politics, government, and social organization? • Did the Renaissance involve shifts in religious attitudes?
From the City of God to the Secular City:
Secularization • Activities outside the sphere of religion. • That which does not pertain to religion.
Leonardo Bruni “The whole glory of man lies in activity.”
Disasters of the 14th Century:
Troubles of the Medieval Church
Italian Social Structure • Popolo grasso • Mediocri • Popolo minuto,
The cultural identity of the Middle Ages was replaced by one centered around morality and civics.
Italian Cities New Conception of Life
Intellectual Humanism • Humanism was to be intellectually liberating. • Medieval Christian humility discouraged self-absorption • Literature of individuality emerged
Religious Humanism • Did not break completely from religion. • Italian Humanists became known as pagan humanists, while Northern Humanists became known as Christian Humanists.
Institutional Change • Forever changed. • Papal authority challenged. • Christian values and virtues lost their potency. • Individual rulers and merchants influenced society.
Political Units / City-States • The wealthy merchant families and oligarchies ruled.
Florence provides an excellent case study with the Medici family.
Case Study: Florence • Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.
Merchant Capitalism • “Eroded the power of the nobility by expanding the ranks and influence of townsmen”