Dr. Matthew’s World History

Trimble County High School

Light in the Dark:The Dawning of the Renaissance

I. The Dark Ages/Middle Ages

A.Focus on the “Hereafter” rather than the “Here”

B. Rampant IlliteracyC. The Corruption of the

ChurchD.The Black Death

The Darkness……

The Black DeathWhat was the Black Death?•A deadly plague that spread across Europe from 1346-1352.•Caused by bacteria and spread by black rats and fleas.• 3 forms:•Pneumonic - lungs; death in a matter of days•Septicemic - attacked the bloodstream•Bubonic - bubbles on the body

People were ignorant about its cause; they blamed the stars, God, and the Jews.They tried ineffective cures such as pomanders, flagellation, and repentance of sins.

Why couldn’t people stop the Black Death?

Killed one-third of the population.Forced farmers to diversify their crops.Reduced the power of the feudal lords.People move to cities to earn better wages.Peasants demanded more freedom.

How did the Black Death change life in Europe?

Originated in Mongolia and spread to the Black Sea along the Silk Road.Bacteria carried from fleas who lived on black rats.Italian merchant ships brought rats to Europe along with trade goods.First appears in Sicily then spreads.

How did the Black Death spread throughout Europe?

THE RENAISSANCE •Toward the end of the Middle Ages a culture called the Renaissance began in Italy and spread throughout Europe.

•Renaissance is a French word meaning: Rebirth

RENAISSANCE cont’d

“Rebirth” refers to the interest in classical art and learning. “Classical” refers to the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.

The Renaissance changed the lives of many people over time as it developed towards the end of the Middle Ages.

Since the Medieval Period did not end suddenly, the start of the Renaissance was gradual as well.

RENAISSANCE cont’d

Middle Ages- Peasants lived in countryside and were uneducated

- Clergy members encouraged people to think more about life after death than surviving daily life.

Renaissance-People began to think more about personal achievement and desire.

-Humanism: - Human nature and the dignity of man were exalted and emphasis was placed on the present life as a worthy event in itself.

RENAISSANCE cont’d

The Renaissance provided a burst of creativity, individuality and interest in human society.

Simply put…the Renaissance provided a spark of excitement in the lives of Europeans!!

RENAISSANCE cont’d

World History - Honors •Turn to page 48 in your book (Chapter One, Section One) •Notice that there are FOUR subsections with RED titles•What Was the Renaissance? •Italy: Cradle of the Renaissance•Renaissance Art Flowers •Writing for a New Society •Read each subsection and summarize it with THREE OR FOUR ideas, facts or statements.