Paper
Modern times originated in Italy in the 14th century during the period known as the Renaissance. A rich development of Western civilization marking the transition from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance refers to a rebirth, or rediscovery, by scholars (humanists) of Greco-Roman culture. The period prior to the Renaissance, the High Middle Ages, was marked by relative political stability, economic expansion, wide contact with other cultures, and a flourishing urban civilization. However, the High Middle Ages served only to establish the foundations for change and to develop the background for the new view of the world. The Italian Renaissance was a distinct period in time, noted for ushering in the modern civilization, characterized by the alteration of the political, economic, and social status.
Renaissance civilization revamped the political scene from the Middle Ages into the modern age. The despotism created during the Renaissance bestowed incomparable unity and power upon Europe through the individual (Burckhardt, 509). Leaders such as Viconti displayed tremendous strength and vitality. During the 14th century, people no longer received and respected the Emperors as feudal lords, but as possible leaders and supporters of power already in existence (Burckhardt, 507). The reverence of the heads of government aroused feelings of patriotism in the hearts of the people. For the first time a modern political spirit of Europe can be detected (Burckhardt, 507). Political support or nationalism is still evident in today s society and can be attributed to the Renaissance.
The Renaissance also harbored secular ideas of the state. The Renaissance marked the transition from the ecclesiastical to secular outlook. The people began to search for answers and a growing emphasis on reason, rather than faith, became apparent. Historian Marsilius of Padua proclaimed that according to the writings of Aristotle the Roman bishop called pope, or any other priest or bishop, or spiritual minister, collectively or individually, as such, has and ought to have no coercive jurisdiction over the property or person of any priest or bishop, or deacon, or group of them, an still less over any secular ruler or government, community, group, or individual (535). Therefore, the ecclesiastical should not lawfully exercise any political power. Furthermore, Niccolo Machiavelli went to extremes by stating that Christian virtues and politics would result in an unstable form of government. In concurrence with Machiavellian politics, Isaiah Berlin suggests that to choose to lead a Christian life is to condemn oneself to political impotence…if one wishes to build a glorious community like those of Athens or Rome at their best, then one must abandon Christian education and substitute one better suited to the purpose (542). Nevertheless, secular ideas of the state were fostered during the Renaissance and have become one of the most critical components to a successful, modern nation.
Renaissance civilization also marked the birth of capitalism, the economic machine upon which the United States runs today. During the Renaissance, the economy went from feudal based to capitalist based. The revival of trade, urban life, and money economy had a dynamic influence in the midst of the agrarian feudal society of the high Middle Ages (Ferguson, 554). As Wallace K. Ferguson says, …the historians whose special interest was religion, philosophy, literature, science, or art have all to frequently striven to explain the developments in these fields without correlating them with the changes in the economic, social, and political structure of society (554). Ferguson went on to explain that medieval civilization, founded as it was upon the basis of land tenure and agriculture, could not continue indefinitely to absorb an expanding urban society and money economy without losing its essential character, without gradually changing into something recognizably different (554). The growth of a money economy brought changes in the whole character of urban economic and social organizations, still evident in modern times.
Into this agrarian feudal society the revival of commerce and industry, accompanied by the growth of towns and money economy, introduced a new and alien element (Ferguson, 554). This element was capitalism. The effect of the new economy was to stimulate the existing medieval civilization, freeing it from the economic, social, and cultural restrictions, making possible the rapid development of the economy.
The rise of capitalism in the Renaissance had measurable effects on the rest of the society. For instance, the fall of feudalism gave way to the rise of city-states or centralized territorial states. In addition, the universal authority of the church was shaken by the growing power of the national states, while its internal organization was transformed by the evolution of a monetary fiscal system (Ferguson, 554). Meanwhile, within the cities the growth of capital was bringing significant changes in the whole character of urban economic and social organizations. Considering all the changes inspired by capitalism, the result was an essential change in the character of European civilization. This new and extraordinary economic system known as capitalism would develop during the time of the Renaissance and would become the economic clockwork of modern America.
Another distinct characteristic of the Renaissance present in today s society is a strong emphasis on individuality. During the Middle Ages the common man was marked by faith, illusion, and childish prepossession (Burckhardt, 508). Men viewed themselves only as a member of some general category – race, people, party, family, or cooperation (Burckhardt, 508). In earlier times, the development of free personality could not be detected in Northern Europe; however, with the onset of the Renaissance, man became a spiritual individual (Burckhardt, 508). Toward the close of the 13th century Italy was overwhelmed with individuality, a recurring theme of today s society. The time period was characterized by a movement in which human values and capabilities were the central focus known as humanism. Individual spirit was beginning to appear in Europe, and in today s society this is a very important, if not, necessary idea.
It was the upbringing of humanism – this unfolding of the treasures of human nature in art and literature (Burckhardt, 508) which encompassed individuality. The contribution of Italian humanism to literature and scholarship made an impact which has remained in all regions of European civilization until the twentieth century (Palmer, 59). W.K. Ferguson comments that at the time of the Renaissance there was the appearance of a growing class of urban laymen had the leisure and means to secure a liberal education and to take an active part in every form of intellectual and aesthetic culture (555). To learn and appreciate culture showed the new concept that life was worthwhile to its own sake and not used for sheer preparation there after. People wished and were forced to know all the inward resources of their own nature, passing or permanent; and their enjoyment of life was enhanced and concentrated by the desire to obtain the greatest satisfaction from a possibly very brief period of influence (Burckhardt, 508). In accordance with Burckhardt, individualism inspired many people to achieve all that they could in their lifetimes – a very modern belief today where the sky is the limit.
Italy, in the 14th century, was characterized by a distinct period in time known as the Renaissance. The Renaissance was not merely an extension of the Middle Ages, but rather the transitional period in which the increasing lay culture of the cities, the political centralization of the territorial states, and the dominance of the money economy replaced the feudal and ecclesiastical civilization of the modern world (Conlon). The rediscovery of the classical Greco-Roman culture provided the world with great treasures. The people, inspired by the need for reform, abandoned the Middle Ages and entered into a time of great intellectual, social, political, religious, and economic reform. The humanistic development of individualism, the dramatic change in political ideas and construction, and the introduction of capitalism remained powerful concepts in modern society that originated in the Renaissance. Without question, the Renaissance civilization was the foundation of modern times.
Другие работы по теме:
Renisance War Essay Research Paper What do
Renisance War Essay, Research Paper What do you think the renaissance was? A discovery, a rediscovery, a phase or maybe all three. These questions are what I will address in this essay as well as what my personal feelings on all of them are. I believe that the renaissance was a mixture of all three each contributing in it s own way.
Medicine In The Renisance Essay Research Paper
In the Renaissance, some aspects of medicine and doctors were still in a Dark Age. Outbreaks of disease were common, doctors were poor, medicine was primitive and many times doctors would kill a patient with a severe treatment for a minor disease! But, there were other sections where medicine and the use of medications improved greatly.
Reniasance Essay Research Paper The word
Reniasance Essay, Research Paper The word renaissance , meaning rebirth is perfect to describe the renaissance because the renaissance was a period of creativity and rediscovery (Farah and Karls 402). Developments in art, architecture and literature spread from Italy to the rest of Europe as people revisited the past stories of Greek and Roman culture.
How Do The Renaissances In Italy And
Northern Europe Differ? Essay, Research Paper In American schools, it is taught in history classes that there was a Renaissance, or ?rebirth,? in Europe up until the 17th century. This was known for being a glorious religion period, with art as an example. However, there are two separate Renaissances, one in Italy, and one in northern Europe.
Annotated Glossary Essay Research Paper William Shakespeare
Annotated Glossary Essay, Research Paper William Shakespeare is a remarkable example of a Renaissance man. He is considered to be one of the greatest writers of his time and ours. Shakespeare also is admired for his remarkable playwright skills for his time. This man?s plays have been redone more times than any other author.
The Florentine Renaissance Essay Research Paper Revolution
The Florentine Renaissance Essay, Research Paper Revolution in Expansion In Florence, and also in the surrounding cities, the Renaissance was a time of awakening and rebirth. A time of examining the present and looking towards a future that would turn out to seem entirely different from the past, but at the same time hold striking similarities.
The Renaissance 2 Essay Research Paper The
The Renaissance 2 Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance Renaissance. To some scholars this is a term, which describes the historic period between the late 14th century and the second half of the 16th century, which was characterized by the rebirth of the cultural and artistic life. To others this is a term, which is misused to describe just one era in history, a term which distinguishes one period too sharply from another.
The Renaissance Period Essay Research Paper The
The Renaissance Period Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance period is a rebirth of the cultured and artistic sprite of the classical era. It began in Italy in the 14th century, but did not come the England till the 19th century. John Donne and John Milton were two great Renaissance poets who incorporated many of the characteristics of the Renaissance into their Poetry.
Modern Day Prophets Essay Research Paper What
Modern Day Prophets Essay, Research Paper What is a Prophet? The most common definition of this word is spokesman, or one who speaks for or on behalf of someone. Prophets were sent out on a well defined and specified mission entrusted to them, by God, to guide mankind along the path of righteousness. They were charged with the responsibility of conveying to the believers the commandments.
Renassiance Art Essay Research Paper During the
Renassiance Art Essay, Research Paper During the Renaissance, artist were no longer regarded as mere artisans, as they has been in the medieval past, but for the first time emerged as independent personalities, comparable poets and writers. They began to express their ideas even though the art still remained religious in nature but add their own individual style and emotions.
Medieval And Renaissance Art Essay Research Paper
The Medieval and Renaissance art vary greatly in terms of subject and technique. Medieval art produced works that were less free in theme and style while Renaissance art explored on various techniques and depicted reality in its truest sense.
Leonardo Da Vinci Essay Research Paper The
Leonardo Da Vinci Essay, Research Paper The Ingenious Work of Leonardo da Vinci “Renaissance,” French for “rebirth,” perfectly describes the intellectual and economic changes that occurred in Europe from the fourteenth through the sixteenth centuries. During this era, Europe emerged from the economic decline of the middle ages.
History And Culture Of The Renaissance Essay
, Research Paper Culture of the Renaissance The Renaissance was the beginning of political institutions with a commercial economy and the encouragement of education, arts, and music. It was a period of new inventions and believes.
Harlem Renissance Essay Research Paper The Writers
Harlem Renissance Essay, Research Paper The Writers of the Harlem Renaissance Throughout my research of the Harlem Renaissance I learned many things I previously didn’t know. One aspect of the Harlem RENAISSANCE that I researched was the author Zora Neale Hurston, and her contributions to the period. I learned much about the black influence on writing while doing this project.
The Development Of Harmony In The Renaissance
Essay, Research Paper The Development of Harony in the Renaissance The development of harmony in the Renaissance came from John Dunstable, Josquin des Prez and Adriaan Willaert. John Dunstable significant contribution to the theory and practice of composition was the introduction of more melodic music and outlining chords as a part of the melody.
Henry David Thoreau Essay Research Paper It
Henry David Thoreau Essay, Research Paper It isn’t very often that a true renaissance man comes along. Thoreau was a true renaissance man. Thoreau was interested in many different things. He dabbled in the sciences; particularly botany and biology, as well as much more complex ideas such as philosophy and transcendentalism.
Renaissance Art Essay Research Paper Architecture of
Renaissance Art Essay, Research Paper Architecture of the Renaissance reflects the earlier works of the Roman, Byzantines, Moslems, and many other civilizations. The S. Pietro No. 1 was begun in 1564 and was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti, and Carlo Maderna. Many components of this structure reflect their foreign influences.
The Difference Between Post Modern Age And
Medieval Age Essay, Research Paper I feel that medieval times and today?s times differ extremely. Many people seem to think that it is much better in today?s times, but in some ways I feel differently.
Pele Essay Research Paper Little is known
Pele Essay, Research Paper Little is known about the origin of soccer. The modern game is very different from it’s accent origins this paper will explore those origins and show how modern day soccer evolved.
The Renassiance Essay Research Paper The Renaissance
The Renassiance Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance encouraged many changes in society. It opened a whole new era of reasoning and creative thinking. Many ideas of society were developed in this time period. One such idea is the concept of Humanism. Humanism was an intellectual movement that developed in the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
Paradise Lost By John Milton (1608 -
– 1674) Essay, Research Paper Few literary poems attempt to take on such a huge theme as Paradise Lost. Milton himself, in the Argumentum that begins the poem, claims to have produced the greatest poem ever written,
Renaissance Rebirth Short Break Or Transition Essay
, Research Paper The Renaissance is a period of transition, beginning the modern age in Europe. During this period, great changes in the economy, society, politics and culture would take shape, ultimately leading up to the modern age.
Harlem Renaissance Essay Research Paper Harlem RenaissanceWhat
Harlem Renaissance Essay, Research Paper Harlem Renaissance What is a renaissance? A renaissance is a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity. There was a famous renaissance in Europe during the transition from medieval times to modern times that is still taught today. There was, also, a not so well known renaissance that occurred in the United States from the 1920 s to the 1930 s in Manhattan.
Italian Renaissance Essay Research Paper How was
Italian Renaissance Essay, Research Paper ?How was the Italian Renaissance an age in which life was a work of art?? The Renaissance was an important time. It was a time when new ideas were formed, worldly
Italian Renaissance Beginning In 1420 Essay Research
Paper The Italian Renaissance began in Florence in about 1420. The Renaissance was really a re-interpretation of classical ideas and how they were applied in fifteenth century within a Christian context. The classical ideas that they were trying to re-interpret were those of the Greeks and Romans. The Renaissance was also a time of great wealth, especially among religious bodies and wealthy families including the Medici and Sforza.
Modern Philosophy Essay Research Paper 1 The
Modern Philosophy Essay, Research Paper 1. The modern world is considered to be the time from the Renaisance (late 15th to 16th century) to the end of the 19th century. Many changes took place during these times. We first see a change in the Division of Philosophy. We see the Medieval Theopocentric views change to an anthropocentric view and monotheism to humanism.
In The Life Of A Modern Man
Born In The Renaissance Essay, Research Paper Have you ever pondered the birth of your hobbies? Or have you ever wondered who invented the mechanisms you use in your everyday life? Well, modern art, today’s religion, and the present printing press had to originate some point in time. And what could be a better time then during the Renaissance and the Reformation? These three points were a major part of those years.