The document provides an overview of the Italian Renaissance between 1350-1600. It describes the Renaissance as a period of cultural change and achievement that began in Italy and later spread to the rest of Europe. Some key points: 1) The Black Plague and political instability in the 14th century led to a recovery and rebirth of interest in classical antiquity which influenced politics, art, and humanism. 2) Italian city-states like Milan, Venice, and Florence prospered economically and played important political roles, lacking a strong central ruler. 3) Humanism emerged, based on the study of classical Greek and Roman works, which emphasized intellect, civic involvement, and the individual.

1. The Italian Renaissance

2. Bell Ringer Using the definition of “renaissance” from last night’s reading, explain how the Black Plague might have influenced the start of the RenaissanceDiscuss with partner45 seconds

3. Defining the RenaissanceRenaissance = “rebirth”1350-1600 (250 yrs.)Italian Renaissance - the period of great cultural change and achievement in European history that began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe

4. Characteristics of the RenaissanceRenaissance Italy - mostly an urban societyPowerful city-states became centers of Italian political, economic & social life

5. See map - pg. 163

6. Result - an emergence of secular, or worldly, society as increased wealth created new enjoyment of material thingsCharacteristics (cont.)2. Age of recovery from 14th C. disastersBlack Plague

7. Political instability

8. Decline in Church power

9. Result - rebirth of interest in classical antiquity, (ancient Greek & Roman culture) which affected politics & artCharacteristics (cont.)3. IndividualismEmphasis on individual ability

10. High regard for human worth

11. Realization of what individuals could achieveCharacteristics (cont.)4. Humanismcultural and educational reform, engaged in by scholars, writers, and civic leaders

12. Based on study of the classics & the literary works of ancient Greece & Rome

13. Studied grammar rhetoric, poetry, moral philosophy & history (the humanities)Humanism (cont.)Petrarch - Father of Italian Renaissance humanism

14. Stressed:

15. Intellect

16. Civic involvementRenaissance Geo-Political LifeItalian City-StatesNo central, unified monarchical state

17. Lack of single strong ruler - easy for C-S to remain independent

18. Milan

19. Venice expanded & played critical

20. Florence roles in Italian politics

21. Prospered in terms of tradeMilan (Milano)Visconti Family - dukes of Milan/ Lombardi

22. Viscontis died off - Sforzas conquered