The Crusades and the discovery of distant lands brought the Italians into contact with the East. This instilled the spirit of adventurism among them, marking the beginning of the Renaissance. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. The consequences of the Renaissance are as follow
Consequences of the Renaissance
- The Renaissance paved the way for the beginning of the Reformation in England and Europe. People began to question the dogmas propagated by the Roman Catholic Church. They became critical of the rituals practiced by the Church and insisted on its reformation. Later, the Roman Catholic Church was divided into Catholics and Protestants.
- In medieval times, attention was paid to subjects that dealt with spirituality and theology. The Renaissance made man the center of studies. Humanism became important during this period.
- The Renaissance led to the development of a scientific outlook and rational spirit among the people. People now began to follow only those theories and principles which were based on observation, experimentation, and rationalism.
- The Renaissance led to the evolution of the monarchical form of government in Europe. The powers of the Church declined during the Renaissance period as people began to discard the dogmas propagated by the Church. The feudal system also declined. This led to the rise of a strong central monarchy.
- The Renaissance led to the development of new forms of paintings, art, sculpture, and architecture.
- The decline in feudalism and the beginning of the Renaissance marked the rise of the middle class in Europe. The merchants, traders, and rich peasants constituted the new middle class.
- The Renaissance led to the emergence of nationalism among the people and led to the progress of national literature. This led to the rise of nation-states in Europe.
- After the fall of Constantinople, sailors and adventurers began to look for new sea routes to trade with Asia and Africa. The Discovery of new sea and trade routes led to increased trade activities between the East and the West. This brought prosperity to Europe.
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