The English Renaissance 1485-1650 Looking Ahead Renaissance began in 14th century Italy; spread to England a century later Conflicts/military threats from abroadBUTgreatest works of literature (Shakespeare) Key Questions 1.What were the characteristics ofRenaissance humanism2.How is humanism reflected inShakespeare’s works? 3.How did the metaphysical and Cavalier poets respond to thereligious conflictsof their time? ? Fun Facts from p. 240-241 Despite frequent plagues, population of London grew steadily 2% of population controlled most of England’s land and wealth __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ Historical, Social, and Cultural Forces Tudor England War of the Roses (Tudor vs. York) = 30 year civil war o Henry VII defeated Richard III and married member of House of York =END! House of Tudor’s reign o Broad changes + political conflictsBUTshifted to golden age come 1500s The Renaissance England became economic and naval power + Renaissance Renaissance marked transition between Middle Ages and modern world o Renewed interest in science, art, classical Greek and Roman learning (rediscovered many pre-Christian literary masterpieces that were neglected during Middle Ages) Petrarch was mad that the Classics had been left to gather dust during MA Humanism Era of intellectual inquiry and artistic activity Unlimited potential of human beings to accomplish great feats → achievements in arts/science Emphasis onHUMANITY’S, rather thanGOD’S, importance → threatened authority of Catholic Church → groundwork for Protestant Reformation Humanists shared interest in world affairs, not afterlife Michel de Montaigne (French) o Influenced by Socrates o Devoted to reading/reflecting on subjects that piqued his curiosity o “Que sais-je?” (What do I know?) English writers o Ex. Geoffrey Chaucer oPRINTING PRESS→ ideas spread more quickly
The Protestant Reformation Early 1500s: religious revolution (began in central Europe) spread Protest against powerful Roman Catholic Church, which significantly influenced social, political, economic structure of 16th century England 1517--Martin Luther (German) protest against indulgences and abuses of RCC 1530--Henry VIII aligned England w/ Protestants o Wanted marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled (no male heir) o
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