Renaissance, Origin of Modern Times
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 suppor
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. 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 i
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Wallace Ferguson, Middle Ages, WK Ferguson, Northern Europe, Athens Rome, Leaders Viconti, Aristotle Roman, Renaissance Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Isaiah Berlin, middle ages, burckhardt 508, money economy, economic social, today's society, 14th century, modern times, renaissance civilization, ferguson 554, agrarian feudal society, greco-roman culture, urban economic social, character urban economic, changes character urban, economic social organizations,
Approximate Word count = 1348
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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