The Development of Humanism in the 14^th and 15^th Centuries

1.       The flourishing of trade and commerce in northern Italy, 1300s-1400s

a.       Italy’s role during the crusades.

b.      Secular education established in Italy: University of Bologna: law;

2.       The Black Death and changes in social structure and intellectual thinking

a.       Francisco Petrarch (1304-1374): criticism of the Avignon Exile.

3.       Traditional struggles between the popes and Italian cities

a.       Changes in states and their borders in Italy

b.      Foreign rulers in Italy

c.       Papal states and papal interactions with other states in northern Italy.

4.       Entrepreneurs new avenues to social mobility

a.       The Medici family

b.      Francesco Sforza

5.       New attitudes toward wealth:

a.       Consumerism a good thing: spending on houses, portraits, art

6.       New approaches to rulership: art and architecture to build up one’s prestige

7.       New trends in art and architecture: Greco-Roman influence: a more human centered universe; reinterpretation of God and the relationship between God and humans

8.       Center of art in Italy: Florence

9.       Definition of humanism