Renaissance and Exploration
Benjamin Wright
9 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the Renaissance, focusing on humanism, classical influence, art techniques, and social/economic factors including the printing press. It also examines New Monarchies, their centralization of power, and Overseas Expansion, including exploration motives, colonialism, the Columbian Exchange, and the Atlantic Slave Trade. Finally, it lists key figures and provides practice questions and exam tips.
#AP European History: Unit 1 - Renaissance and Exploration 🚀
Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP Euro exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's dive in!
#🔗 The Renaissance
#What Was It? 🤔
The Renaissance was a period of intellectual and artistic flourishing that began in Italy in the 14th century. Think of it as a "rebirth" (that's what 'renaissance' means in French!) of classical ideas from ancient Greece and Rome. It's like dusting off old treasures and finding new ways to use them.
The Renaissance marks a shift from medieval to early modern thought, emphasizing human potential and achievement.
#Classical Inspiration 🏛️
Renaissance thinkers and artists found inspiration in classical antiquity—the writings and art of ancient Greece and Rome. This revival influenced everything from scholarship to art techniques and even politics.
Think of the Renaissance as a cultural "remix"—taking old classical "tracks" and creating something new and exciting.
#Image of Raphael’s The School of Athens (1509-1511), mixing classical thinkers with people from the artist’s time.
#Humanism: The Heart of the Renaissance ❤️
Humanism started with scholars closely reading and translating ancient texts. Humanists emphasized individualism and focused on secular (non-religious) subjects. They believed in the potential of humans and celebrated human achievements.
- Key Focus:
- Individualism
- Secularism
- Classical Learning
#Art and Techniques 🎨
Artists and writers drew inspiration from classical styles. Sculptors aimed for naturalistic depictions of the human body, and painters used perspective to create realistic images.
Perspective in art created the illusion of depth on a flat surface, making paintings look more lifelike.
#Social and Economic Factors 💰
- Wealth: Increased trade made Northern Italy wealthier and more urban, supporting the Renaissance.
- Patronage: Commercial elites (bankers, merchants) and the Church and nobility invested in art to promote themselves.
#The Printing Press 📜
The mid-1400s saw the spread of the printing press, making texts more widely available. This helped humanist ideas spread beyond the Church and universities.
- Impact:
- Increased access to knowledge.
- Spread of vernacular literature (writing in common languages).
#Northern Humanism 🌍
Centered in the Low Countries, Northern Humanists emphasized religious themes and looked to the Bible for inspiration. They sought to improve society through Christian principl...
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