5.5.

2  Study: The European Renaissance Study Guide

World History Honors Sem 1 Name:  
Date:  

Use this study guide to keep track of the important concepts covered in this activity. If you need help
answering any of the questions, check with your instructor. Save these study guides for review when
preparing for quizzes and tests.

Write the definition to each of the key terms below.

Word Definition

Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) The Italian astronomer who defended and expanded on
Copernicus's teachings that the Sun is the center of the solar system.
He was found guilty of violating religious law and forced to deny his
findings publicly.

humanism An intellectual movement of the Renaissance based on the study of

humanities, which emphasized disciplines of rhetoric, grammar,
history, and poetry separate from religion.

individualism The political, economic, and social concept that places primary
emphasis on the worth, freedom, and well-being of the individual
rather than on the group, society, or nation.

Johannes Gutenberg (1395 – 1468) The inventor of the movable-type printing press. His
invention contributed to the development of many movements, such
as the Renaissance and the Reformation.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519 CE) A Florentine mathematician, inventor, architect, and
artist from the Renaissance.

linear perspective A form of perspective in which parallel lines seem to converge on one
or more vanishing points to give the illusion of depth and distance. It is
also called geometric perspective.

mannerism A period of European art that emerged in the later years of the Italian
Renaissance, around 1520. Characterized by distorting or
exaggerating elements such as scale and perspective. Sought to
represent the idea of beauty rather than natural images of it.

Michelangelo (1475 – 1564 CE) An Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect,

poet, and engineer often considered the best example of a well-
rounded Renaissance man. His major works include the Pieta, the
Sistine Chapel, and David.

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 – 1543) A Polish astronomer who defied the Catholic Church by
publicizing his theory that the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center of the
solar system.

printing press A device invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450 in Mainz, Germany.

By allowing books to be produced more quickly, the printing press
helped spread the ideas of the Renaissance and the Reformation.

Renaissance (1300s – mid-1600s CE) A period in European history that saw a

revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture and
scholarship. The name is taken from a French word meaning "rebirth."

secularism The rejection of religion, especially from public affairs.

Write a short answer to each question.

1. Where and why did the Renaissance begin?

The Renaissance began in city-states in Italy. These city-states were controlled by wealthy families who
helped end the feudal system and were willing to support people with new ideas that did not come from
the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. These city-states also engaged in trade with Muslim and
Asian merchants, which exposed the people to different ways of thinking.

2. How did the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans influence the arts and architecture of the
Renaissance? Give one example.

In the Renaissance, the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans were celebrated. In art, elements of
Greek and Roman art were combined with Christian themes. One example is Michelangelo's sculpture of
King David, which uses ancient styles to represent a biblical king.

3. What is humanism and how is the concept connected to the Renaissance?

Humanism was a study of the humanities, emphasizing rhetoric, grammar, history, and poetry. It was a
common approach to education and scholarship during the Renaissance.

4. Who was Niccolò Machiavelli, and how did his work reflect Renaissance values?

Machiavelli was a philosopher who wrote a political treatise called The Prince. The treatise ignored
Christian ideals for rulers in favor of practical advice on how they could maintain their power. This advice
aligned with the ideals of individualism.

5. Describe an important scientific discovery of the Renaissance, and explain why it was not accepted at
first.

Copernicus proposed, based on mathematical calculations, that the Earth revolved around the sun. Later,
Galileo proved this theory through observation using a telescope. However, the Catholic Church refused
to accept the idea and labeled it heresy.

6. What was the immediate impact of the printing press on the spread of ideas during the Renaissance?

It made books more available, because they could be made in greater volumes and more cheaply. This
led to the spread of ideas as well as increased literacy.

7. What role did merchants play in the development of the Renaissance in Italy?

Merchants helped the spread of ideas through trade with other lands. They also supported the arts and
literature of the Renaissance by financing many artists and writers and commissioning works.
Expand your thinking on questions raised in this activity.

8. Many Renaissance artists painted religious themes, which was typical during the Middle Ages. Do you
think they should be thought of as medieval artists rather than Renaissance ones? Why or why not?

Many answers are possible. Below is one way you could have answered.

These artists should definitely still be considered part of the Renaissance because they tended to use
new techniques such as linear perspective and mannerism in their work. Many also combined religious
elements with mythological elements, which upset the Catholic Church.

9. Why do you think the Renaissance happened directly after the Middle Ages?

Answers will vary. One possible answer is below.

I think it happened because a middle class started to emerge during the late Middle Ages. Once these
people became wealthy and powerful, it made sense they would champion ideas that celebrated their
own individualism rather than deferring to the Roman Catholic Church. And once they had enough
money to fund art and science that challenged church doctrine, the Renaissance became inevitable.

10. Why do you think the Renaissance happened directly after the Middle Ages?

Answers will vary. One possible answer is below.

I think it happened because a middle class finally started to emerge during the Middle Ages as peasants
were freed from feudalism and moved to the cities to work. Once they started to acquire enough money
to be independent, it makes sense they would champion ideas that celebrated their own individualism
rather than deferring to the Church. And once they had enough money to fund art and science that
challenged Church doctrine, it seems inevitable that the Renaissance would've happened.

In one to two sentences, write the "big idea" or main point of this study.

The Renaissance was an important time in European history. Europeans became increasingly aware of
the non-Christian world around them, and of the history that preceded Christianity. This growing
awareness led to many discoveries and innovations in science, politics, education, and the arts.
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