The Renaissance was a time where… Classical Greco-Roman ideas

were revivedThese ideas were preserved through the middle ages by the Byzantine Empire.

Wealthy Patrons supported the arts and education

Humanism spread throughout Western Europe.

Humanism

An age of reborn interest in the arts, education, and the classical culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

The Beginning

The Renaissance began in Italian cities because of their access to trade routes.

Trade brought wealth to Italy

Printing Press

Important Advancements Printing Press

Helped develop…○1. Increase in literacy rates○2. Secular (World) ideas

spread○3. Books are circulated to

publicEx. Shakespeare’s sonnets

The Church

Many of the new ideas and enlightened thinkers during the Renaissance period challenged the authority of the Church.

Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther – A German Monk Challenges the practices of the

Roman Catholic ChurchWrote the 95 Theses to criticize

indulgences.Believed the Bible should be the

authority of the church.Believed people are right with God

through faith – not works.

Protestant Ideas Spread

Martin Luther rejects the pope’s authority

As a result, Protestant sects spread throughout Europe

King Henry VIII of England breaks away from the Catholic Church

Response-

The Roman Catholic Church threatened Luther to take back his ideas and criticism of the Church.

The Church also challenged several other enlightened thinkers.

Scientific Revolution

Galileo Galilei was threatened to be killed by the Church if he did not take back his discoveries.

Age old beliefs, like the earth being the center of the universe, were proven wrong through inventions like the telescope.

Roman Inquisition pressuring Galileo

A Political Change in England The Magna Carta was signed by

King John This document limited the powers

of the King (Monarch) The Magna Carta would later be

used to guarantee rights to all people.

English Parliament

The Parliament was made up government officials who represented the people.

The Parliament would later help balance the power of the King

Petition of Right in 1628

King had to follow same laws as citizens

Can only be taxed with representation

Can only be put in prison with a lawful reason

English Bill of Rights

Stated the king would share power with Parliament

Stated the rights granted to all citizens

Enlightenment 1600-1700s Time of intellectual debate and

growth Increased study of individual

rights (all should have individual rights)

These Ideas inspired the American & French Revolution

Revolution

A quick turn around or change in a government system or organization.

American & French Revolutions inspired others to seek independence

John Locke

Wrote Two Treatises of government

Believed governments should protect the natural rights of life, liberty, & Property

Government based on consent of people

Montesquieu

Wrote the Spirit of the Laws Believed government should

have a separation of powers Government should have

checks and balances

Rousseau

Wrote The Social Contract

Believed the government shouldn’t violate individuals’ rights by law.