The Renaissance

iv>industry, much as happens with capital gains today.
The Renaissance Era was a period dating fromGreat gains were made in education. However, these
approximately the 14th centurythrough the 16th century.were not without a good amount of controversy.
It was a time of great change for Europe and theThere were two distinct type of education, one of
world, as a wholenew culture was beginning towhich was scholastic, which concentrated on the
emerge. Beliefs were tested. The idea that humankindstudy of logic, and the other being philosophy and the
rulednature developed, and has contributed greatly tonature of reality.
modern science and technology.Added to this were the humanists. They proposed to
It is thought that Renaissance political thought waseducate the whole person and placed emphasis not
very instrumental in forming thegovernment in theonly on intellectual achievements, but also on physical
United States. The idea of freeing government fromand moral development. This is the method that has
the religious aspects ofthe church, thereby becomingmoved into today’s education as well. It is a
more independent, was the key idea in this reformation.compilation of different achievements and teachings to
Many inventions were also developed in this period, theround out an individual’s knowledge, and, as is
most important being gunpowder, the printing pressthe case today, people became more interested in
and the compass. Another extremely important aspectmusic and the arts. Many people began singing and
of the Renaissance was the creation of prosperoustook up musical instruments, much as they do in
cities, and is reflected today in our own society.today’s society, with music being a huge
Trade increased dramatically, not only in the standardinfluence. Literature and the arts began to flourish with
items of barter and exchange, but also in the area ofa turning toward art inspired by nature.
luxury items as well. With the expansion of trade,Above all, the Renaissance movement left us fantastic
towns grew wherever the trade routes met. Capitalmonuments of artistic beauty that, even today, define
that accumulated through trade was eventuallyour western culture.
available for other enterprises, notably banking and