CONTENT STATEMENT
- The decline of feudalism, the rise of nation-states and the Renaissance in Europe introduced revolutionary ideas, leading to cultural, scientific, and social changes.
CONTENT ELABORATION
The decline in feudalism occurred for many reasons including the rise of the middle class and the Bubonic Plague. With a change from the more decentralized governments of feudalism to a more powerful central government, nations arose. These nations had defined borders, a common culture, and a central government.
Europe in the 14th through 17th centuries experienced a period in which a rebirth of Greco-Roman ideas impacted culture, science and society. The Renaissance began in Italy and spread to other European countries. The social changes that took place during the Renaissance transformed every aspect of European society. The rebirth that took place was most evident in the arts, literature and education. Painters and sculptors depicted naturalistic scenes and realistic details of individuals. Some experimented in the use of perspective. Many writers focused on ideas for reforming society. It also was a period in which conventional scientific theories were challenged. The revolutionary ideas relating to the study of Earth and its place in the universe placed those who espoused them in conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. These ideas were made more accessible by the advent of the printing press and increased literacy.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Analyze how revolutionary ideas introduced during the Renaissance in Europe led to cultural, scientific and social changes.