The Renaissance - Period 1.1 Student Edition - Student Edition notes

Sep 20, 2026

Study guide notes for AP European History Period 1.1 on “The Renaissance,” outlining its role as the start of modern European history and narrowing AP exam coverage to developments after 1450. The guide explains key timeline events, geography of spread from Italy to northern Europe, and the origins of the term “Renaissance” from Jacob Burckhardt. It also summarizes Renaissance culture’s class limits, Italian city-state rise through trade and power politics, and major city-states with political figures, then transitions into Humanism’s core characteristics and values.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time34 min

AccessFree to download

Background

The Renaissance

Origins of the concept of a “Renaissance”

Rise of the Italian City-States

International trade and urbanization

Politics among the Italian city-states

Major city-states and figures

Decline of the Italian city-states

Humanism

Characteristics

AP European History: Period 1.1 Student Edition The Renaissance Note: While many AP courses cover the entire Renaissance from 1300- 1600, the AP exam will only cover information after 1450. I. Background A. The Renaissance is considered the beginning of modern European History. • For a contrast between the Renaissance and Later Middle Ages see the study guide at the end of this section. B. The Renaissance (c. 1300-1600) 1. It occurred first in Italy c. 1300 and lasted until 1527 when Rome was sacked by foreign armies. 2. The Renaissance spread to northern Europe around 1450. 3. In England, the Renaissance did not begin until the 16th century and lasted until the early 17th century (e.g. Shakespeare) . C. Origins of the concept of a “Renaissance”: 19th-century Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt claimed the Renaissance period stood in distinct contrast to the Middle Ages. D. Renaissance culture applied almost exclusively to the upper classes. 1. The upper classes had the luxury of time to spend learning the classics. 2. The peasantry was largely illiterate and Renaissance ideas had little impact on common people. 3. The working classes and small merchants were far too preoccupied with the concerns of daily life. II. Rise of the Italian City-States A. The northern Italian cities developed international trade: Genoa, Venice, Milan 1. Signori (despots) or oligarchies (rule of merchant aristocracies) controlled much of Italy by 1300. 2. Commenda: a contract between a merchant and “merchantadventurer” who agreed to take goods to distant locationsand return with the proceeds (for 1/3 of profits) . 3. As a result, Italy became more urban: it had more towns and cities with significant populations than anywhere else in Europe at this time. Use space below for notes Bolded items are meant to highlight terms that are fundamental to the course content. Under-lined phrases highlight important material that is fundamental to the course content. B. Politics among the Italian city-states 1. Competition among city-states meant that Italy did not unify politically. 2. In effect, an early balance-of-power pattern emerged where weaker states would ally with other states to prevent a single state from dominating the peninsula. 3. Political disunity of the Italian city-states led to their downfall in late-15th and early16th centuries when French and Spanish armies invaded Italy. C. Major city-states and figures 1. Republic of Florence (included Republic of Genoa) a. It was at the center of the Renaissance during the 14th and 15th centuries. b. It was dominated by the Medici family. c. Cosimo de’ Medici (1389-1464): he allied with other powerful families of Florence and became the unofficial ruler of the republic. • He was the most powerful of the Medici rulers. d. Lorenzo de’ Medici (the “Magnificent”) (1449-92): He was a significant patron of the arts (son of Cosimo) . 2. Duchy of Milan a. It was ruled by the Sforza family after 1450. b. Milan was a major enemy of Venice and Florence. c. The Peace of Lodi (1454) created a 40-year period of relative peace in northern Italy • The peace was, in part, a response to concerns over the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople a year earlier. • It created a stable balance of power for a time. 3. Rome, the Papal States: popes served both as religious and political leaders; they controlled much of central Italy. 4. Venice, Venetian Republic a. It was the longest lasting of the Italian states (it did not succumb to foreign powers until Napoleon conquered it in the early 1800s) . b. It was the greatest maritime power in Italy and one of the world’s great naval and trading powers during the 14th and 15th centuries. 5. Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies a. It included southern Italian region of Naples and the island of Sicily. b. It was the only Italian city-state to officially have a“king.” c. It was controlled by France be

FAQs

What time period does the document define for the Renaissance, and how does the AP exam coverage differ?

The Renaissance is described as c. 1300–1600. The note states that while many AP courses cover 1300–1600, the AP exam covers information after 1450.

How did the Renaissance spread from Italy to other parts of Europe?

It began first in Italy around 1300 and lasted until 1527, and it spread to northern Europe around 1450. In England, it did not begin until the 16th century and lasted into the early 17th century.

What are the main characteristics of Humanism highlighted in the notes?

Humanism includes a revival of antiquity in philosophy, literature, and art; an emphasis on individualism and human potential (including Virtú and belief in Reason and Nature); secularism with increased focus on non-religious subjects; and studying ancient languages, especially Latin.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Berry Peter