Transcript Slide 1
That “other” Renaissance Italy begins to decline as a Renaissance “center” around 1500 The Northern Renaissance: focused in France, Germany, & England after 1450 Northern Renaissance focused on religion more than Italian Renaissance; but still mainly involved in culture, architecture, and the arts Power Politics Interest in military conquest grew throughout Europe. Decline in “feudal” alliances Monarchy’s grow stronger; kings push for expansion Alliances made, but “just for looks” Example: Francis I (king of France) forms alliance with Ottoman Turk leader. But his main goal is to have this alliance act as a distraction towards his real target – the ruler of Austria & Spain. ECONOMY & TECHNOLOGY: Stronger iron products in the West (Europe) Increased trading contacts w/ Asia Printing introduced in 15th century; Johannes Gutenberg Gutenberg improved the printing technology previously developed by the Chinese This leads to increase in book distribution – helps Renaissance writers reach a larger audience; also leads to increase in literacy rates New Family Structure: Later marriages – usually not until late-20’s Family was focused on the “nuclear” family and not the extended family living together ○ Nuclear family – mom, dad, siblings ○ Extended family – all of the above PLUS: aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc. These changes to family structure started occurring in the 16th century Linked family’s with property; most people could NOT marry unless they had property or access to property Late marriages also limited overcrowding because families had fewer children! The Protestant & Catholic Reformations During the 16th century religious upheaval began to occur in Europe The original Martin Luther (not King Jr.) Martin Luther German monk In 1517, he nailed a document to the door of a castle church in Germany ○ The document had his 95 theses (propositions) BIG idea – he protested against the pope’s representatives for selling indulgences (grants for salvation) in exchange for money. Luther believed that only faith could grant salvation. ○ Luther also argued that priests should be allowed to marry and that the bible should be translated from Latin so others could read/understand it. Luther picks up support from followers during the mid- 16th century Other Christian Groups England: King Henry VIII – set up the Anglican Church to challenge the pope’s attempt to enforce his first marriage (failed to “produce” a son/heir) ○ Side-Story: Henry VIII had 6 wives (possibly more); he executed 2 of them for not “producing” a son/heir…well allegedly executed them France/Germany/Others Jean Calvin – Frenchman; “Calvinism” claims that God had a pre- destination or pre-determination of those who would be granted salvation ○ Calvinism was accepted in parts of Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Hungary, and in England & Scotland Catholic Church did NOT restore religious unity, but did defend key areas of Europe for the Catholic faith. Under a Catholic Reformation church councils revived Catholic doctrine and refuted any Protestant ideas (Protestant = a sect w/in Christianity) End of Christian Unity in the West Protestant & Catholic reformations had several results during late 16th & 17th centuries: Religious Wars: ○ France was the scene of battles between Calvinist & Catholic forces; ○ The Edict of Nantes (1598) ended this struggle Thirty Years War (1618-1648): ○ German Protestants vs. Holy Roman Empire (also supported by Spain) ○ Devastating for Germany (cut population by as much as 60%) ○ Reduced German power and prosperity for almost a full century ○ Ended with the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) English Civil War (1640’s - 1660): ○ Religious issues plus battle of parliament’s rights to control royal actions ○ Full resolution came in 1688-1689 (The Glorious Revolution) Parliament won sovereignty over the king The Commercial Revolution Economic structure of Europe was redefined in the 16th century Increase in trade; new goods available to them Price inflation began the commercial revolution; inflation was caused by the large amounts of gold and silver being brought back from Latin America European merchants brought back new goods from various trading areas (India, Africa, Latin America) Technological improvements made in metal-works and in mining Merchants, and even peasants, were more prosperous than before. Commercial Revolution (cont.) Not all prospered though…those who did NOT have access to property or goods still suffered. Proletariat – the people without access to wealth-producing property Another rise in population growth and rising food prices made it difficult for the poor (in some cases they had to sell their land for food) Peasant uprisings/protests began at end of 16th century until about 1650. Peasants and townspeople wanted greater protection from poverty France: Protestant & Catholic peasants rose together against landlords and taxes Witches!!! During same time period, outburst against suspected witches arose. Between 60,000 and 100,000 suspected witches were accused and killed! The witchcraft persecutions reflected resentment against the poor; this was often done by communities who were unwilling to accept responsibility for their poverty. ○ Role of Women – women were most often the targets of persecution The Scientific Revolution! Scientific Revolution – period of advances associated w/ the development of wider theoretical generalizations; changed thinking from the Middle Ages Improved microscopes & telescopes helped advancements in biology and astronomy Copernicus – used astronomical observations and mathematic calculations to prove that the Earth was NOT the center of the universe, rather, it revolved around the sun Johannes Kepler – studied planetary motion; used work from Copernicus Isaac Newton – published Principia Mathematica; set forth the basic principles of all motion; defined the forces of gravity in mathematical detail; helped explain planetary orbit described by Kepler Scientific Revolution. (cont.) Became popular among educated Western Europeans New scientific institutions set up with government aid to advance research John Locke Englishman Argued that people could learn everything they needed to know through their senses and reasoning; faith was irrelevant in this matter Absolute Monarchy vs. Parliamentary Monarchy Absolute Monarchy – concept of government developed during the 17th century; featured monarchs (kings) who passed laws WITHOUT parliaments; appointed their own professional armies and bureaucracies; established state churches and imposed state economic policies (taxes) Example: France – King Louis XIV… “I am the state.” Parliamentary Monarchy – originated in England and Holland during 17th century; kings were partially “checked” by legislative powers in parliaments. Nation State – areas unified by a common language and culture; promote political values and traditions of their region The Enlightenment The “aftermath” of the Scientific Revolution An intellectual movement 18th century Centered in France but spread throughout the “Western world” Applied scientific methods to human society Rational laws could help describe social and physical behavior Produced a basic set of principles about humans: Human beings are good, but improvable, and can be educated to be better; reason is the key to truth ------------------------------------------------------Random Side Note: The Encyclopedia originated during the Enlightenment!