Question

What were the effects of the Renaissance?

Mention two important effects of the Renaissance.

Answer 1

The effects of the Renaissance were as follows:

1. The Renaissance led to the Reformation Movement: The urge to know the unknown by questioning, observation, and experimentation brought an end to the supremacy and’ domination of the Church, which eventually led to Reformation.
2. Great overflow of Vernacular Literature: The Renaissance helped in the growth of vernaculars. In England, there was the famous Shakespeare and a contemporary of Shakespeare in Spain was Cervantes, who wrote ‘Don Quixote’. In France, Moliere became the founder of the ‘Comedie Francaise’, the National Theatre.
3. Consequences of Geographical Explorations: Geographical discoveries, commercial relations were established between Europe and the East. Trade brought unprecedented prosperity to the countries of Europe. For England and Spain, America also yielded immense wealth. This led to Colonialism. European countries controlled America, Asia, and Africa and used their resources to increase their own power.
4. The Humanist’s Belief in Man: Earlier people subordinated themselves to the interests of the Church or the Class to which they belonged. Now, they began to look at themselves as ‘Individuals’. They believed in man’s’ ability to achieve happiness and freedom without the need for religion. Renaissance art and literature reflected the aspirations of ordinary people at that time.
5. Rise and Growth of Nation-Slates: The feelings of nationality and progress of national literature led to the rise and growth of Nation-States.