Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
To what extent did the Italian Renaissance change Europe?
Position2 of 4

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.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Life did not change for the majority of people
    For most Europeans, life in the Middle Ages did not look different from the Renaissance. Peasants and serfs still worked under feudal lords and did not see any major change to their daily life.
  2. The philosophy, art, and wealth were only experienced by the wealthy
    Only the wealthy saw a flourish in art and philosophy due to their high standing in society, while peasants continued to experience their poor and seemingly unchanging lives.