¨ Renaissance means rebirth1350 and 1550.

o Began in Italy spread throughout

¨ The Renaissance was when the power of the Church declined

¨ People were well-rounded, universal person was capable of achievements in many areas of life

o Example DaVinci

¨ Italy great location for trade

¨ The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is one of the most influential works on political power in the western world.

o Leaders should act on interest of the state/people and not morals

¨ Should political leaders adhere to basic moral principles when pursuing the state’s

affairs or just look out for the state’s interests?

¨ Peasants made up 85 to 90 percent of the total European population,

o Many poor people, little wages

¨ Marriages were arranged by family to strengthen FAMILY

Contract- had a term of dowry -a sum of money the bride’s family paid to the groom.

¨ What are the criteria that indicate a person has reached adulthood today?

¨ Humanism was based on the classics, the literary works of ancient Greece and Rome.

o Poetry, philosophy and history