Causes of the Renaissance:
1. Renaissance scholars or the rise of new ideas: The teachings of the medieval age were not ‘progressive as the Church controlled all activities of the people. Religious beliefs, political principles, and social standards were all stagnant in this period. There were all round discontentments and the time was ripe for a major upheaval and people started questioning the authority of the Church.
2. The capture of Constantinople in 1453: In 1453, Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople and forced the Greek and Latin Scholars to flee to Italy. The encouraging and peaceful conditions in Italy helped the study of classical literature and the birth of Renaissance.
3. Geographical exploration: Medieval age Europeans came out off religious restrictions ” and superstitious ideas were shattered. People became bold and adventurous. The geographical discoveries not only brought great wealth but also expanded their knowledge. Coming in contact with other cultures brought them new ideas, thoughts, and knowledge. Thinkers began to give importance to Reason, Observation and Experimentation. This prepared the ground for a great cultural revolution.
4. Patronage of Kings, Popes, and Nobles: When the Greek and Latin scholars fled to Italy and other European countries along with their books and manuscripts, King, Popes, Nobles and the rich Merchants patronised these scholars. European people got exposed to Classical Art, Architecture and Learning and interest in these grew all over.
5. Nation-state idea: In the age of new learning, emphasis was laid upon the freedom and dignity of man as an individual. With the dawn of the new spirit, City States lost their significance and the idea of Nation States took shape. As feudalism collapsed, the Monarchs were interested in the welfare of their subjects and gave importance to Classical literature and Education in general.
6. The invention of Printing Press: This was the chief factor in spreading new ideas and thoughts across the multitude. Printing helped the tremendous development of European civilization and culture. Production of books on varied subjects stimulated a general desire for literacy.
Results of Renaissance:
1. Renaissance brought about a transition from blind faith to reason and science.
2. Renaissance created a new outlook on life. It stimulated the spirit of enquiry, criticism, and experimentation.
3. Renaissance Scholars and Writers boldly and openly expressed their new ideas, which went against the teachings of the Church. The secular outlook and individualism began to spread.
4. By the Renaissance influence, medieval superstitions were shattered and men became bold and adventurous, thus becoming interested in geographical explorations,
5. The ideas of individualism gained due importance during Renaissance. New learning emphasis was laid upon the freedom and dignity of man as an individual, allowing him to develop his talents and faculties.
6. Renaissance gave a marked stimulus to the growth of vernacular literature.
7. One other important feature Of Renaissance was the growth of Humanism.
8. The new spirit of Renaissance was responsible for the remarkable scientific progress.
9. Renaissance brought about great changes in the life of the people in different fields like political, intellectual, economic and religious fields.
10. People also started questioning some of the doctrines of Christianity and the corrupt practices. This new outlook resulted in a religious revolution in the Catholic Church that ’ is known as the Reformation.
11. Monarchy was strengthened due to the dawn of Renaissance. It led to the rise of the Spirit of National Consciousness in several countries.
