World History: Renaissance & Reformation

Who were the Medici family and why were they significant to the Italian Renaissance?

The Medici were a powerful banking family in Florence who used their vast wealth to commission art and architecture, effectively becoming the primary patrons of the Renaissance.

What was the core focus of the intellectual movement known as humanism?

Humanism focused on the study of classical Greek and Roman texts, emphasizing human potential, achievements, and secular subjects rather than purely religious dogma.

Which Renaissance artist is best known for the statue of David and painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling?

Michelangelo Buonarroti was the polymath artist responsible for these masterpieces, embodying the 'Renaissance Man' ideal through sculpture, painting, and architecture.

What was the primary impact of Johannes Gutenberg's movable type printing press on European society?

It revolutionized the spread of information by making books affordable, which drastically increased literacy rates and allowed Reformation ideas to spread rapidly.

What were Martin Luther's '95 Theses' primarily protesting against?

The 95 Theses were arguments against the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences, which suggested that forgiveness for sins could be purchased with money.

Why did King Henry VIII break away from the Roman Catholic Church to form the Church of England?

Henry VIII sought an annulment from Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn; when the Pope refused, he declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

In 'The Prince', what does Niccolò Machiavelli argue regarding the use of power by a ruler?

Machiavelli argued that a leader should be pragmatic rather than moral, famously suggesting that it is better to be feared than loved and that the 'ends justify the means.'

How did the Northern Renaissance differ from the Italian Renaissance in its thematic focus?

While the Italian Renaissance was more secular and focused on classical mythology, the Northern Renaissance emphasized 'Christian Humanism' and social reform based on Christian principles.

What role did the printing press play in the success of the Protestant Reformation?

The printing press allowed for the mass production of Bibles in vernacular languages and the quick dissemination of Luther's pamphlets, making it impossible for the Church to suppress his ideas.

What is the doctrine of predestination as taught by John Calvin?

Predestination is the belief that God has eternally chosen those whom He intends to save (the 'elect') and those who will be damned, regardless of their actions on Earth.