The Renaissance was a vibrant period of rebirth and transformation... Show more
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11/29/2025
World/Global History
The Renaissance
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The Renaissance: Emergence from Crisis
The Black Death wiped out nearly half of Europe's population, triggering massive economic decline but unexpectedly freeing many peasants from serfdom. This freedom of movement coincided with political instability during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between England and France, which despite its name lasted 116 years and ended with France regaining control of most territories.
Joan of Arc emerged as a pivotal figure during this conflict. Believing she was divinely commanded to free France, she convinced King Charles VI to let her join the French army at Orleans, helping secure victory. The British later captured her in 1430, charging her with witchcraft before burning her alive. Joan was exonerated in 1455 and eventually canonized as a saint in 1920.
Religious authority faced its own crisis during the Great Schism (1378-1417) when rival popes were elected in Rome and France. This division severely discredited the church and fueled demands for reform. The conflict was finally resolved when the Council of Constance elected Pope Martin V from the Roman party.
Did you know? "Renaissance" literally means "rebirth" and represents a surge of interest in classical scholarship and values that had been largely forgotten during the Middle Ages.
Renaissance Transformations
The Renaissance emerged as feudalism declined and city-states rose to prominence. This period saw the development of national monarchies, languages, and a renewed fascination with classical Greek and Roman knowledge. As the Catholic Church struggled to maintain its unifying framework, secular thinking began to flourish.
Advancements exploded across multiple fields. Science and medicine progressed rapidly, while literature and drama found new audiences. Exploration boomed thanks to the development of the compass and advances in astronomy, culminating in Columbus reaching the Western Hemisphere. Trade expanded, architecture evolved, and philosophy embraced new ideas.
The Proto-Renaissance of the 13th-14th centuries laid important foundations. St. Francis of Assisi rejected traditional Christian theology by praising the beauty and spiritual value of nature, inspiring Italian artists and poets. Dante explored inward experiences in his famous works like the Divine Comedy and Inferno.
Humanism became the earliest form of Renaissance spirit, initiated by secular scholars primarily in Italy. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 provided a major boost to this movement, as Eastern scholars fled to Italy bringing precious manuscripts and books with them. By the early 1490s, the High Renaissance had begun, ushering in an extraordinary period of artistic genius.
Remember this! Humanism placed humans, rather than God, at the center of intellectual and artistic focus—a revolutionary shift in thinking that defined the Renaissance.
Renaissance Masters and Social Changes
The High Renaissance produced some of history's greatest artistic geniuses. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), the solitary master, created iconic works like the Mona Lisa despite struggling with elements of his famous paintings. Michelangelo (1475-1564) drew inspiration from the human form for vast projects, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Pieta. Raphael (1483-1520) created masterpieces like The School of Athens that embodied Renaissance ideals.
While art flourished, religious minorities faced significant challenges. In the same year Columbus sailed to the Americas (1492), Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain expelled all Jews from their kingdom. Jewish communities lived according to the Mosaic Law (Law of Moses), which required separation from non-believers, specific burial practices, isolation from illness, and different interest rates for non-Jews in financial dealings.
This expulsion forced Jewish communities to migrate northward and across the Mediterranean. These displaced communities would remain in these regions until the end of World War II, creating lasting cultural impacts across Europe.
Think about this: The Renaissance celebrated human potential and classical knowledge while simultaneously witnessing religious persecution—showing how progress and intolerance can exist in the same historical moment.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The Renaissance: Key Aspects and Influence
The Renaissance was a vibrant period of rebirth and transformation that followed the devastating Black Death and Middle Ages in Europe. This era (14th-16th centuries) saw remarkable advancements in art, science, literature, and philosophy as society broke away from feudal... Show more
The Renaissance: Emergence from Crisis
The Black Death wiped out nearly half of Europe's population, triggering massive economic decline but unexpectedly freeing many peasants from serfdom. This freedom of movement coincided with political instability during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between England and France, which despite its name lasted 116 years and ended with France regaining control of most territories.
Joan of Arc emerged as a pivotal figure during this conflict. Believing she was divinely commanded to free France, she convinced King Charles VI to let her join the French army at Orleans, helping secure victory. The British later captured her in 1430, charging her with witchcraft before burning her alive. Joan was exonerated in 1455 and eventually canonized as a saint in 1920.
Religious authority faced its own crisis during the Great Schism (1378-1417) when rival popes were elected in Rome and France. This division severely discredited the church and fueled demands for reform. The conflict was finally resolved when the Council of Constance elected Pope Martin V from the Roman party.
Did you know? "Renaissance" literally means "rebirth" and represents a surge of interest in classical scholarship and values that had been largely forgotten during the Middle Ages.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Renaissance Transformations
The Renaissance emerged as feudalism declined and city-states rose to prominence. This period saw the development of national monarchies, languages, and a renewed fascination with classical Greek and Roman knowledge. As the Catholic Church struggled to maintain its unifying framework, secular thinking began to flourish.
Advancements exploded across multiple fields. Science and medicine progressed rapidly, while literature and drama found new audiences. Exploration boomed thanks to the development of the compass and advances in astronomy, culminating in Columbus reaching the Western Hemisphere. Trade expanded, architecture evolved, and philosophy embraced new ideas.
The Proto-Renaissance of the 13th-14th centuries laid important foundations. St. Francis of Assisi rejected traditional Christian theology by praising the beauty and spiritual value of nature, inspiring Italian artists and poets. Dante explored inward experiences in his famous works like the Divine Comedy and Inferno.
Humanism became the earliest form of Renaissance spirit, initiated by secular scholars primarily in Italy. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 provided a major boost to this movement, as Eastern scholars fled to Italy bringing precious manuscripts and books with them. By the early 1490s, the High Renaissance had begun, ushering in an extraordinary period of artistic genius.
Remember this! Humanism placed humans, rather than God, at the center of intellectual and artistic focus—a revolutionary shift in thinking that defined the Renaissance.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Renaissance Masters and Social Changes
The High Renaissance produced some of history's greatest artistic geniuses. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), the solitary master, created iconic works like the Mona Lisa despite struggling with elements of his famous paintings. Michelangelo (1475-1564) drew inspiration from the human form for vast projects, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Pieta. Raphael (1483-1520) created masterpieces like The School of Athens that embodied Renaissance ideals.
While art flourished, religious minorities faced significant challenges. In the same year Columbus sailed to the Americas (1492), Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain expelled all Jews from their kingdom. Jewish communities lived according to the Mosaic Law (Law of Moses), which required separation from non-believers, specific burial practices, isolation from illness, and different interest rates for non-Jews in financial dealings.
This expulsion forced Jewish communities to migrate northward and across the Mediterranean. These displaced communities would remain in these regions until the end of World War II, creating lasting cultural impacts across Europe.
Think about this: The Renaissance celebrated human potential and classical knowledge while simultaneously witnessing religious persecution—showing how progress and intolerance can exist in the same historical moment.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user