Renaissance?

Question

Why is the Renaissance considered the beginning of Modern Europe?

Answer 1

The popular idea that the ITALIAN Renaissance was THE key event that moved a 'benighted, medieval' culture toward 'the modern age' is, at best, simplistic.

Actually, recent scholars have taken to speaking of MULTIPLE renaissances, of which the Italian Renaissance of the 15th century ("THE Renaissance" ot many ) was but one. As a matter of fact, there is a fair case to be made that the "Renaissance of the 12th century" (of the "High Middle Ages") played a more pivotal role in advancing society, esp. in areas of STUDY (academics, founding of science). Note that this earlier renaissance was at the time of the creation of the UNIVERSITY system, from which many of the scholarly advances began to flow as scholars from across Europe began to work together. These earlier advances (including also advances in government, technology, etc.) over several CENTURIES were the ground in which Italy's Renaissance grew.

But it is an interesting question in its own right how the PERCEPTION of the Italian Renaissance as the great dividing line became so popular/widespread. That certainly was do, in no small part, to the pride of the participants, who made much of what they were doing. And the timing of the invention of the printing press certainly contributed to the perception (though this invention itself had little if anything to do with the Italian Renaissance).

"The Italian “Renaissance” was not a “rediscovery” of classical learning. Rather, it was a period of cultural emulation during which people of fashion copied the classical style in manners, art, literature, and philosophy. Out of passion for their own ancient days of glory, explains French historian Régine Pernaud, Italians began to claim that Western history consisted of “two periods of light: antiquity and the Renaissance...and between the two...crude centuries and obscure times.” Thus, from fashionable enthusiasm and ethnic pride was born the notion of a dark age followed by a dawning of a new enlightenment. But, it wasn’t so. Scholastic scholars knew and understood the works of Plato, Aristotle, and all the rest."
http://www.taemag.com/issues/articleid.17713/article_detail.asp

The popular perception has also grown because of the view of later secular "humanists" who found at least SOME of the emphases of the Italian Renaissance on the 'humanities' more to their liking. This was especially true of those who were less religious or even anti-religious. They encouraged notion that the church and religious beliefs of the 'middle ages' was somehow ANTI-scientific, and that the modern age was all about breaking away from the church, etc. (But in fact it was precisely the religious --e.g., those who founded the university system-- that the foundations of modern science, etc., were laid.)

Another factor to keep in view -- the Italian Renaissance just happened to take place at the same time as a major political shift toward the 'nation state' was taking place. This shift --which the Renaissance in no way caused!-- itself the result of developments over centuries, was a major part of the 'power realignment' from the 'medieval' order (more power in the institutional church) to something closer to the 'modern' order. But again, this shift is NOT the result of the Renaissance; it just was happening around the same time.

Finally, there were great ECONOMIC shifts taking place in banking and commerce, along with expanding trade --the foundations of modern economic systems. These actually helped create the wealth that enabled the Renaissance AS WELL AS other changes that led to the dynamic economic systems of the modern world. But again, the Renaissance was not a/the CAUSE of these; it was, rather a beneficiary.

Answer 2

Just to add a little extra information for those that are coming here for answers. Some more differences include: -In the italian renaissance the human form was a major vessel for human expression. Artists sought to paint and sculpt humans in complex environments with realism. This relates to a rediscovery of more classical art styles. - Whereas in the northern renaissance Wooden panel painting for altarpieces and illuminated manuscripts where of emphasis This is largely a part due to the gothic style churches that were prevalent in the north. Also because of the large wall space available in italian cathedrals, is gave rise to fresco painting. While in the north, the space available for their work was limited, and as a result northern painters became masters at rendering detail. Oil painting enabled artists to use a varied range of colors and add fine details.

Answer 3

Because of the new movements that changed the way people thought and those ideas stil have some effect in us. The ideas also kind of dissintegraded the power of religion in society in an extreme way and also in political thought. Also, modern european ideas and philosophers are based on the thoughts and philosophies that occured in the Renaissance, or even the Enlightenment.

Answer 4

because it was a period where culture flourished and the kingdoms of europe began an expansitionist period.

Also because of the cultural development the modern societies in europe began to emerge from the theocratic tyranny of the catholic church. (and other religious groups)

Answer 5

my mummy told me to fart inside and it was stinky!!!!!!