- Question
To what extent did the Italian Renaissance change Europe?
There is a debate as to how different the Renaissance truly was from the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages or "The Dark Ages" is seen as a time of cultural decline, but how much really changed?
The Italian Renaissance initiated an economic boom
This position holds that the Italian Renaissance changed Europe above all by initiating an economic boom. It argues that expanding trade and manufacturing — financed by new banking houses and the wealthy families who commissioned art — gave people a real sense of living through a rebirth.
The Italian Renaissance only impacted the lives of the wealthy
This position holds that the Italian Renaissance only affected the wealthy. It argues Renaissance culture applied almost exclusively to the upper classes, so that its philosophy, art, and prosperity left the lives of ordinary people largely unchanged.
The Italian Renaissance spread Secularism and Humanism across Europe
With the people’s respect of the once all-powerful Church weakened following its many problems during the Middle Ages, this newly educated, wealthy class began to pursue more secular and human interests – art, science, philosophy, etc.
The Italian Renaissance changed Art forever
The Italian Renaissance experienced a revival of Greek and Roman antiquity. Philosophers sought to reconcile pagan writings with Christian thought. Humanism fostered a strong belief in individualism and the great potential of human beings.