How Did The Renaissance Influence European Society

The Renaissance took place from the 14th century through the 16th century. It was known as a “rebirth”. European society was changed by the influences and many advancements that took place in arts, religion, trade, science and technology during this time period. The economy improved immensely during this time and the new middle class created a need for growth in many areas. The middle class people also had extra time to spend on educating themselves, exploring the arts and culture. As a result of the Renaissance, the society of Europe changed a lot. Improved maps, compasses, and shipbuilding made exploration of new countries easier to attain. During the Renaissance, explorers such as Prince Henry the navigator and Christopher Columbus explored Africa and the Americas which expanded trade. They were able to introduce new items to the Europeans such as: ivory, gold, silver, chocolate, corn, and tobacco . Sailors also found better routes to travel to Asia to get spices, gems, and silks that Europeans …show more content…
These people studied Greek and Latin classical texts. One of the leading thinkers of the time was Petrarch, who was also known as the father of Humanism. Humanism encouraged people to think, explore, question, and experiment to discuss answers to worldly problems. Leonardo da Vinci created studies of flying machines, submarines, and the human body. Galileo created a powerful telescope that proved the earth and other planets revolved around the sun which went against church teachings of the time. He also performed experiments that found objects fall at the same rate of acceleration. Gutenberg made the most important technology advancement of the Renaissance by inventing the printing press which provided for the ability to distribute inexpensive books and spread knowledge to the people (Italian Renaissance,