THE BEGINNING OF

THE MODERN AGE IN

EUROPE
RENAISSANCE

INTRODUCTION

Renaissance

means re birth or

revival
It stands for a complex transitional
movement in Europe between
medieval and modern times.
The changes in renaissance signifies
decline of feudalism, beginning of
modern science , invention of
printing press, discovery of new
trade routes and so on and so for.

Source of renaissance period

The

two most important

works that provide ample
source of information about
the renaissance period are:
1)Michelangelos work
2) the Ninety Five Theses of
Martin Luther

Causes of Renaissance
1.FATE

OF CONSTANTINOPLE

2.DECLINE

OF FEUDALISM
3.RISE OF POWERFUL MONARCHY
4.COOPERATION OF KINGS,
NOBLES AND WEALTHY PEOPLE
5.CRUSADES

Fate of constantinople
Constantinople

fell into the hands of

the Turks in AD 1453.
Many greek and roman scholars
were,forced to shift to Rome and other
parts of Europe.
Scholars began to spread Greek
Knowledge and culture and in this
way revived the interest of the people .

DECLINE OF FEUDALISM
The decline of feudalism, which was the
basis of life during the medieval
period,greatly contributed to the rise of
Renaissance.
Feudalism was against progress.
The peace and freedom that prevailed after
the decline of feudalism favoured the
growth of new learning.

CRUSADES
The crusades or the religious
wars between the Christians
and Muslims.
Brought the people into direct
contact with the people of Asia
was highly developed.
The crusades also provided an
impetus to trade and commerce
between eastern and western.

 6.ORIGINAL

THINKERS
7.SPREAD OF EDUCATION
8.SPIRIT OF INQUIRY
9.DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE
10.INVENTION OF PRINTING
PRESS
11.GEOGRAPHICAL EXPLORATION

Principles of
Renaissance

1.Humanism
Glorification

of

Human Form
3.Spirit of Enquiry

Beginning of Renaissance
The

renaissance first began in Italy

and later spread to other countries
because of the following reasons:
a) Italy was the seat of the glorious
roman empire.
b) As a result of the fall of
Constantinople a large number of
people and thinkers migrated to
Italy.

 c)

The enormous wealth which Italy

had accumulated as a result of trade
with the east also contributed to the
rise of renaissance.

d)

As a result of crusades, geographical

explorations and contact with the east
the renaissance period started.

Impact of
Renaissance
The renaissance had a great
impact on the various aspects
of life:
1) ART
2) PAINTING: Leonardo da
Vinci, Michelangelo and
Raphael.
3)SCULPTURES

 4)

LITERATURE: literature in Italy,

literature in England and literature in
other European countries.

5.

) SCIENCE: Astronomy,
medical science and
mathematics

6)

Geography:
Portuguese explorations
and Spanish
explorations.
a) Columbus
b) Amerigo Vispucci
c) Ferdinand Magellan

Consequence of Renaissance
1. Led to reformation movement.
2. Development of humanism
3. Development of scientific
outlook
4.

Rise of monarchial form

government

of

5.

Development of arts
6. Rise of middle class
7. Rise and growth of
nation states
8. Consequence of
geographical explorations