THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE PERIOD 1485 1660 A Historical

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE PERIOD (1485 -1660) A Historical Background

Snapshot of the Period ■ Two major movements influenced the thought and literature of this period – Renaissance ■ meaning ‘rebirth” ■ characterized by innovation in science, art, and exploration – Reformation ■ Attempted reform of the Catholic church initiated by Martin Luther ■ Stressed the Bible, rather than the Pope, as the source of authority and importance of faith, rather than good works, for salvation

Major European Religions about 1600 A major time of change in religion and science

Going Back to Move Forward ■ Renaissance = Rebirth ■ Ideas blossomed in Italy (1350 -1550)and spread northward giving rise to the English Renaissance (14851625) ■ The Renaissance sought to revive the learning of ancient Greece and Rome ■ Encouraged voyages of discovery and emphasized human aspiration ■ People became curious about the world and themselves

New Technologies ■ Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press and transformed the way information was spread (1455) ■ William Caxton set up the first printing press in England

Important Inventions

Humanism ■ Asked questions like: – What is a human being? – What is a good life? – How do I lead a good life? ■ They sought to harmonize the teachings of the church with the classics ■ The two sources of wisdom to teach people to lead good lives were the Bible and the classic texts

Two Friends—Two Humanists ■ Best known Renaissance Humanist: Erasmus – Dutch Monk who traveled around Europe teaching and writing ■ Befriended Thomas More – Lawyer – More wrote Utopia – Was Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor

The Reformation ■ Rejected the authority of the pope and the financial burdens of the Catholic Church ■ Martin Luther said Christianity should be based on personal understanding of the Bible

Political Upheaval that Led to the English Renaissance 1. What do you think were the different motivations that some of the competing figures and factions had for seeking power? 2. Which do you think may have been justified, and which weren't? 3. What were some ways that conflict could have been prevented?

Key Historical Figures ■ ■ ■ Henry VIII Catherine of Aragon Anne Boleyn Mary Elizabeth I

The Spanish Armada ■ A turning point in history ■ 1588: The English Royal Navy defeated the Spanish Armada ■ This ensured England’s independence from the Catholic countries of Europe

A Flood of Literature ■ Elizabeth became a symbol of peace and stability ■ This new climate encouraged and inspired writers

Decline of the Renaissance ■ Elizabeth died childless and her second cousin, James IV, took her place ■ Political and secular values had begun to change the culture and accepted doctrines of religion