9/24/14

Lesson #11

AIM:  What was the Renaissance?

DO NOW: Read “the power of the press” in The First Americans and answer the following questions

1)   Why was the use of movable type a turning point in European history?

2)   How do books give power to the people? (think about democracy)

3)   What are some of the reasons Europeans headed to the unknown seas?

I)                  The Renaissance

a)    began around 1300 and lasted until roughly 1600

b)    Began in Italy and spread into the rest of Europe. Italy became the center of trade because of its location between Europe and the Middle East.

c)    This time period was marked by an increase in learning in all fields of knowledge.

d)    One of the major occurrences of the renaissance was the introduction of the printing press to Europe. Prior to this all books were hand written and were therefore very expensive. The printing press made books more affordable. This led to an increase in knowledge

Homework: Read pages 26-27 and answer the following.

1)   What was the Renaissance?

2)   What was Johannes Gutenberg’s contribution to the Renaissance?