RECOVERY AND REBIRTH: THE AGE OF THE RENAISSANCE

Renaissance = “rebirth” Marks an end to the middle ages Northern Italy

1. urban2. increasing wealth3. enjoyment of secular/material pleasures

Italy in 14th and 15th century -> the birthplace of the modern world

1. Revival of antiquity2. “perfecting of the individual”3. Secularism

“MEN CAN DO ALL THINGS IF THEY WILL.”

1.emphasis on individual ability

2.regard for human dignity and worth

3.human potentiality

4.a new social ideal = l’uomo universale

Recovery of trade and manufacturing Key centers of trade

1. Northern Italy2. Hanseatic League/the Hansa -> dominated north European trade

Italy and Venice were vital commercial centers until the 16th century

Woolen industry in Florence Italy -> silk, glassware, metal work, precious

stones New industries in the 15th century ->

printing, mining, metallurgy

Family made fortune in textiles -> expand into banking

In the 15th century they dominated European banking

Bank branches throughout Europe

Papal bankers

Medici banking empire collapses at the end of the 15th century

LORENZO DE MEDICI

Renaissance society was divided into1. the 1st estate = clergy2. the 2nd estate = nobility3. the 3rd estate = peasants/townspeople

2-3% of the pop

Dominated military and government positions

THE BOOK OF THE COURTIER – written by Castiglione 1528

1. handbook for aristocrats2. noble should combine

natural gifts, rounded education, and good conduct

3. the goal of the perfect noble -> serve his prince

Peasants = 85-90% of pop1. Decline of the manorial system and

decline of serfdom2. Money economy replaces labor with rent Townspeople1. Patricians2. burghers3. Propertyless workers4. unemployed

Slavery disappeared by the 11th cent.

Labor shortages of 14th -> reintroduction of slavery

Slaves came from the eastern Med, Black Sea, and Africa

By the 16th cent slavery had declined and was disappearing in W. Europe

The family and family bond = security Marriages = arranged, business deal,

increase status and wealth, dowry Father-husband = finances, total authority

over children Wife = managed the household, make

babies Childbirth – 10% mortality rate for mothers Infant and children mortality -> high, have

lots of babies