Question

Describe the meaning and causes behind the emergence of Renaissance.

Answer 1

Instructions: Your answer should include the following details:

• Meaning of Renaissance.
• Any three causes of Renaissance.

Solution:

• The word Renaissance implies rebirth or the revival of the study of Greek and Roman classics. It was an intellectual, artistic, literary, and scientific movement, which broadened the outlook of human beings.
• The three causes of the Renaissance are:

1. Contribution of original thinkers: In the Medieval Age, the Church dominated most human activities and perceptions. Its authority could not be questioned. However, original thinkers like Abelard, Roger Bacon, and Thomas Aquinas, emphasised upon the spirit of enquiry, freethinking, reasoning, and scientific investigation. This significantly boosted the Renaissance
2. The capture of Constantinople: Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, served as a centre of Greek and Roman cultures. It was captured by the Turks in 1453 CE. This drove various Greek writers to shift to Rome, which in turn revived the interest of the Romans in Greek art, literature, and science. This revival paved the way for Renaissance.
3. New trade routes: After the capture of Constantinople, the trade routes between the East and the West were closed. This pushed the European traders and navigators to discover new sea routes.Navigators like Prince Henry, Bartholomew Diaz, Vasco-da-Gama, and Columbus discovered new routes and brought people from Western Europe into contact with the people of Asia, which widened their outlook.