Renaissance-- Background Essay

Define feudalism.

the political, military and social system in the Middle Ages, based on the holding of lands in fief or fee & on the resulting relations between lord & vassal

Why did education start to increase during the 1300s?

Due to the improved farming techniques, a lot of the serfs are kicked off of the fields, so they are forced to the town to get a job which needs basic education. (they were able to learn how to read or write)

What is the meaning of the word "renaissance"? Describe the time period known as the renaissance.

Renaissance means rebirth. During the period of the Renaissance, there was new knowledge & more job opportunities. Serfs were able to have more freedom and work & they learned basic education (and get a little money so they can buy stuff).

In general terms, how would you describe the Middle Ages?

The Middle Ages was when the Priests and the Catholic Church were the controllers of society because they were the ones who had education and they were the ones who had hand-written the bible. Also, the Middle Ages had feudalism who had serfs (serfs=illiterate).

Why was the painting press so important to the spread of the Renaissance and humanist thinking?

The printing press was so important because it was the spread of ideas that were sold more cheaply because if it was a handwritten paper it is more expensive, but now you can print it and it is cheap per page.

Define humanism.

a renaissance movement that place new interest in the study in celebration of human beings as opposed to the church rituals in human sin (humanism praises people-- ¨You are awesome!¨ ¨You can do it!¨)

Define monasteries.

communal living space for priests who have minimal contact with the outside world (monks)

Define illiteracy.

not able to read or write

Define Renaissance.

period of big change in European history, when art and literature increases & big advances were made

Define Middle Ages.

period of the fall of the Roman Empire to the 14th century

Define serfs.

poor peasants who lived and worked for the lord