Renaissance key concepts Flashcards
What was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance was a period of cultural, intellectual, and artistic revival that began in
Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe until the 17th century.
It marked the transition from the medieval period to the modern era and saw a renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and individualism.
The Renaissance was characterized by advancements in various fields, including art, literature, philosophy, science, and technology.
How did increased trade lead to the emergence of powerful city-states (ie: florence, Venice, Genoa)?
a. Increased trade during the Renaissance lead to the emergence of powerful city-states such a Florence Venice and Genoa which became centers of commerce finance and culturs
b. These city states capitalized on their strategic locations along trade routes to establish lucrative trading networks with other regions, including the Mediterranean and Asia
c. wealth accumulated from trade allowed city states to invest in infrastructure, public works and cultural patronage, fostering economic prosperity and urban development.
d. the political autonomy of city states enable them to assert independence from feudal lords and monarchs, creating decentralized centers of power and influence.
How did the physical geography of Renaissance Europe affect trade and competition among European countries?
The physical geography of Renaissance Europe, including its rivers, seas, and mountain ranges, influenced trade routes and economic competition among European countries.
Access to navigable rivers and coastal ports facilitated maritime trade and the exchange of goods and ideas with distant regions.
Mountain barriers, such as the Alps, created natural boundaries and limited overland trade routes, shaping political and economic relationships between neighboring states
Competition for control over strategic trade routes and access to valuable resources, such as spices and precious metals, fueled rivalry and conflict among European powers.
In what ways did thinkers and philosophers influence society in the development of a human is worldview during the Renaissance?
Thinkers and philosophers during the Renaissance played a central role in shaping a humanist worldview that emphasized the value of human potential, reason, and individualism.
Humanist scholars promoted the study of classical literature, philosophy, and art as a means of cultivating intellectual and moral virtues.
They advocated for the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and self improvement as essential components of human flourishing.
Humanist ideas influenced various aspects of society, including education, politics, religion, and the arts, contributing to the emergence of a more secular and human-centered worldview.
In what ways were the age of discovery and the rise of imperialism expressions of an expansionist worldview?
a. The age of discovery and the rise of imperialism were expressions of an expansionist worldview that thought to explore, conquer, and exploit new territories and resources.
b. European explorers and navigators embarked on voyages of discovery to chart new trade routes establish colonies and acquire wealth and power.
c. imperialism powers competed for control over overseas territories and trade networks, leading to conflicts and wars for territorial expansion.
d. Imperialism was driven by economic motives, including the desire for raw materials, markets, and cheap labor, as well as strategic considerations and national prestige.
e. The expansionist mindset of the Age of discovery reflected a belief in the superiority of European civilization and a sense of entitlement to dominate and subjugate other peoples and cultures.
In what ways did exploration and intercultural contact during the Renaissance affect the citizenship and identity of Europeans
A. EXPANSION OF WORLDVIEW- Exploration exposed Europeans to new cultures people’s and ideas from around the world, expanding their WORLDVIEW- beyond the confines of their own regions. This exposure challenged traditional beliefs and fostered a more cosmopolitan outlook among Europeans
B. CULTURAL EXCHANGE- intercultural contact facilitated the exchange of goods knowledge and technologies between Europe and other regions enriching European culture and society. Europeans adopted new foods, spices, textiles, and technologies from other cultures, influencing their daily lives and customs.
C. FORMATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY- Exploration and colonization contributed to the formation of national identities among European powers and colonial subjects were integrated into political economic and social structures of their colonizers. This process reinforced notions of national superiority and identity among the Europeans.
D. DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURALISM- Intercultural contact also led to increased diversity and multiculturalism within European societies. The influx of good, people, and ideas from other regions contributed to the cultural and ethnic diversity of European cities and towns. Europeans encountered individuals from different racial ethnic and religious backgrounds, challenging homogeneous notions of identity and citizenship.
E. RISE OF ETHNOCENTRISM AND RACISM- Despite the benefits of intercultural exchange, exploration also fueled ethnocentrism and racism among Europeans. The encounter with unfamiliar peoples and cultures often led to the denigration and dehumanization of non European groups. This attitude was fueled by the notions of European superiority and justified the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous peoples in colonial territories.
Fall of Rome (barbarian Invasions)
Barbarian invasions:
-Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths, invaded the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries AD
-These tribes pushed into Roman territory by pressures from other migrating peoples and sought refuge and resources within the empire
Fall of Rome middle ages (internal weaknesses of the Roman Empire
Internal weaknesses of the Roman Empire:
-political instability and corruption weakened central authority
-Economic decline led to financial strain and reduced military effectiveness
-social unrest, including slave revolts and urban decay, undermined social cohesion
Fall of Rome middle ages (military challenges)
Military challenges
-The Roman military faced difficulties in defending the vast border of the empire against multiple invasions simultaneously.
-Barbarian tribes exploited weaknesses in Roman defenses and infrastructure, sacking cities and plundering territories.
Fall of Rome middle ages (fall of Rome)
Fall of Rome:
-In 476 AD, the Germanic chieftain Odoacer deposed the last roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, effectively ending the western roman empire
-The eastern roman empire, centered in Constantinople or modern day istanbul, continued to thrive as the Byzantine Empire for several more centuries.
Fall of Rome middle ages (legacy)
Legacy
-The fall of Rome marked the beginning of the middle ages in Europe and the transition from classical antiquity to the medieval period.
-It led to the fragmentation of political power in Europe and the emergence of new kingdoms and territories ruled by Germanic tribes.
-The cultural and economic decline accompanying the fall of Rome had long-lasting effects on European society and laid the groundwork for the feudal system and the rise of medieval kingdoms.
Fall of Rome (feudal system)
- A medieval social and economic system prevalent in Europe from the 9th to the 15th century
- Characterized by exchangeable of land for military service and loyalty.
Hierarchical structure; King or monarch at the top, followed by nobles (lords and vassals), knights, and the peasant/serfs. - Land was primary source of wealth and power and feudal relationships were based on reciprocal obligations and duties.
Crusades
-Series of religious and military campaigns initiated by European christians to recapture the holy land (jerusalem) for Muslim control.
- Spanned from the late 11th to the late 13th century
-Motivated by religious fervor, desire for political and economic gain, and papal authority.
-Led to cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East, as well as the spread of ideas, technologies, and goods.
Peasant Revolt
-Various uprisings by peasants and lower classes against feudal lords and oppressive authorities
-English Peasants Revolt of 1381
- Motivated by grievances such as oppressive taxation, feudal exploitation, and social inequality.
- Often met with harsh suppression by ruling elites but contributed to the gradual erosion of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies.
Fall of Rome (Black Death)
- A devastating pandemic of bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the mid 14th century
- Caused by a bacterium and transmitted by fleas carried b rats over the silk road
- Resulted in the deaths of an estimated 25 to 50 percent of Europeans population
_ Had profound social, economic, and cultural impacts, including labor shortages economic destruction and religious fervor.
