Italian Renissance and the Reformation

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The renaissance and the reformation are the beginning of the golden age of Europe. Many economic, religious, and cultural changes occurred during this time period. The economic and cultural rise of Italian city-states, the recentralization of government in northern Europe, and the separation of the Roman Catholic Church into different Catholic and Protestant groups were important achievements for Europe during this time. The renaissance and the reformation were not only the beginning of the modern western world, but also set the stage for the European rise in global colonization, which gave way to the birth of our glorious nation. The renaissance, or rebirth, was a new beginning for Europe. After the ravages of the Bubonic plague on the continent, which wiped out over half of the European population, Europe entered an era of economic, cultural, and political success that brought new wealth and enlightenment to its devastated population. The renaissance was brought about by trade opportunities found in Asia during the Crusades. Ship builders and merchants in Italy profited from this trade, as Italy in the central trade route between the rest of Europe and the European Crusader states of The Principality of Antioch, The Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the County of Tripoli during the 12th and 13th centuries. Even after Saladin, an Islamic leader from Egypt, had defeated the crusaders, Italian merchant still held their trade connections in Asia Minor and Egypt. After the Bubonic Plague, trade became profitable once again. By the late 14th century, the Italian city-states had amassed a large treasury from taxes and tariffs. People began to swarm to the cities to work as laborers and artisans, creating urban societies. The merchants of t... ... middle of paper ... ...tholic Church, which would cause many wars, and much immigration and resentment throughout Europe for the next four centuries. The Renaissance and the Reformation was the beginning of the golden age of Europe. Many changes occurred, both political and economically . The renaissance and the reformation brought about the changes necessary for the development of the modern western world. In addition, these two events brought about new light and hope to a continent that was full of war, plague and death. We may not think of these things today, but the Renaissance and Reformation brought about the conditions for us to exist how we do in the present. From the first crusader knight to step into the Holy Land, to the Peace of Augsburg, the renaissance and reformation will be remembered as the two of the most important events in history, now, and for many years to come.

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