The European Renaissance: An Era Of Progress

The European Renaissance – An era of progress. The dark ages had seen the destruction in Europe of much of the science and writings of the Classical Period. This was due largely to barbarian invasion and the rise of feudal states which put their main emphasis on local subsistence. Much thought was given to raiding and defence against raids, and little to peaceful trade. Indeed, it was free trade that sparked the Renaissance. Renaissance began in the early 13th century in Italy from where it spread throughout Europe. The European Renaissance was a movement to modernization. The word Renaissance literally means rebirth, which has come to be associated with revival and innovation, often in a variety of fields of endeavour. It refers to a profound

Because these cities were very wealthy, many merchants started to spend money on different things, such as painting, learning, new banking techniques, and new systems of government. Also, the Middle Ages and even the Renaissance were a time of deep faith. The theme of most art was religious. Many books were on religious subjects. Nevertheless, the Renaissance began a move toward secularism, or rather a more balanced experience of culture and life. These things gave rise to a new type of scholar, the humanist. Humanism was subjects concerned with humankind and culture. They studied various things such as Latin, Greek language, literature and philosophy. Music and mathematics were also studied. The move away from insular subsistence living and the rise of places of learning such as universities created more technical and longer lasting human knowledge, allowing for the progress of both technology and

Many people became interested in politics. Peculiarities of political life in late 15th century Italy led to the creation of a recognisably modern individuality. The revival of classical antiquity, the discovery of the wider world, and the growing unease with organised religion meant ‘man became a spiritual individual’. Also, people became interested in the world outside of their towns. Many became explorers, merchants, and mapmakers. Religion especially changed during the Renaissance. In the Middle ages people were primarily concerned with serving the church and getting to heaven. But the increase in arts and education gave people something to look forward to, and a life worth living. So, in turn, people based their lives around various other things instead of the church. Because of the increase in literacy people learned that the Catholic Church only told the populous, what they wanted them to hear. This caused many people to break away from the church and form Protest