Rennasiance
A booming economy along with the communes desire to obtain political power led to the formation of a new class in society which ultimately lead Europe into a period simply known as the Renaissance. Northern Italy's thriving economy was a result of great advances in shipbuilding. Their ships were capable of sailing year round and could travel even greater distances, which meant they could eliminate middle men and make an even greater profit on their goods. Genoa and Venice also increased the size of their ships which allowed them to carry larger quantities of the goods. These factors lead to the development of the Florence wool industry in which thousands were hired to produce exquisite woolen cloth which, in turn, were sold at high prices. Florence bankers had also secured control of papal banking and the resulting profits from loans, investments, and money exchanges flooded into the economy. The period from 1050 to 1300 was a great time of prosperity so naturally men wanted economic freedom. The Northern Italian cities were communes in which men vowed to obtain political and economic freedom from the higher powers. These men were joined by nobles who saw an opportunity to gain wealth and power via maritime trade and availab
Europe underwent great social change during the period of the Renaissance. Printing allowed the ideals of the Renaissance to reach the masses. Books on education, such as The Courtier influenced thousands. Written by a man named Baldassare Castiglione, it's purpose was to assist men in becoming gentlemen. He felt men should be familiar with dance, the arts, and music. Another book printed was The Prince written by a man named Niccolo Machiavelli. The issue discussed was political power and how a ruler could gain, maintain, and increase it. He felt that a ruler should not be concerned with they way things aught to be but with the way things are. Printing had the power to stimulate laypeople and have an impact on their private lives. Another advance that stimulated social change was the clock which now was a factor in conducting business. Culture also evolved during this time period. Interest in the Latin classics increased, especially by Humanist. Humanist studied Latin classics to understand human nature and how it differed from previous times as apposed to medieval humanist who looked to reveal God. The idea of Individualism also grew in the Renaissance. Individualism stressed personality, genius, and talents as expressed through the arts and literature. People strived to be different and their desire for fame and success made them live up to their full potential. The "High Renaissance" was rich in culture. It's art was unique and beautiful and became an economic activity as well as a cultural phenomenon. Pieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci lead way to one of the greatest periods in the history of art. Owning art showed you had social standing and power. In the middle ages men who had money spent it on arms, but during the Renaissance men of wealth commissioned artist to paint their portraits. The focus of art had changed drastically. Previously the focus of art was religion, but during the Renaissance the "individual portrait" evolved. Realism was developed
Some common words found in the essay are:
Michelangelo Leonardo, Niccolo Machiavelli, Northern Italian, Genoa Venice, Charles VII, Renaissance Individualism, Europeans Blacks, Italy France, Henry VII, Humanist Humanist, political power, 5 powers, focus art, period renaissance, social change, social standing, henry vii, control papal, economic freedom, europe period,
Approximate Word count = 1340
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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