The Middle Ages Redefined: Francesco Petrarca and the Renaissance - Essay Sample

Introduction

This period saw the discovery of ancient classical ideas that had been long forgotten by an Italian Bureaucrat Francesco Petrarca. The middle age had been defined as a dark age of paganism. However, Petrarca redefined it by trying to bridge the gap between the present and the excellent ideas in ancient materials. From his advocacy for the revisiting of the classical past, new intellectual and artistic ideas cropped up in Italy, which lay the foundation of renaissance across Europe. The erosion of ancient ideas is attributed to the Roman Empire fragmentation after the fall of Italy's supremacy(Cole &Symes, 2013). The revolution of ideas was further influenced by intense warfare, commerce, and political rivalry.

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The Renaissance North of the Alps

Explorations by Italian merchants and financiers intensified interactions between northern Europe and Italy(Cole &Symes, 2013). Italian universities enrolled in European students. Poetic works traversed Italy and Europe and soldiers from the north fought in Italy. Despite all these interactions, Italian renaissance delayed igniting in northern Europe. The education system anchored in Christian theology and philosophic logic caused the delay. The rulers of north Europe did not embrace artists and intellectuals, unlike in Italy.Artistic works were useful in Italian politicsbecause of the high competition. In northern Europe, the competition was low due to the extensiveness of political units(Cole &Symes, 2013).

The Politics of Christian Europe

The politics of Christian Europe are well depicted in the life and ideas of Niccolo Machiavelli. France and Spain were invading Italy trying to exert control over the city-states(Cole &Symes, 2013). The political philosophy in the debate was theuse of firm tyrannical rule by princes to liberate Italy from its external rulers. Machiavelli defended the hardline rule of the princes, suggesting that their actions couldonly be judged against the outcomes which were Italy's liberation. Machiavelli argued that to keep a state intact, a prince resort toinhumane, immoral, disloyal, uncharitable, and unreligiousmethods (Cole &Symes, 2013).

New Targets and Technologies of Conquest

Warfare was the main driving force of technology in the middle ages. The canons revolutionized warfare in the mid-15thcentury, they greatly influenced the outcomes of two outstanding conflicts. The Ottoman Turks attacked Constantinople, breaching their defenses(Cole &Symes, 2013). France was also able to capture Bordeaux ended the Hundred Years War. Canons also suppressed rebellious aristocrats, playing a vital role in national monarchs' consolidation.

Europeans in a New Land

The discovery of new areas by Europeans can be attributed to exploratory voyages. Christopher Columbus became the first European to set foot on American continents(Cole&Symes, 2013). He brought back mineral samples and indigenous people. Consequentially, the Europeans became conscious of wealth in the discovered continents. Expeditions by Spaniards Hernand Cortes and Francisco Pizarro followed. They subdued Aztec and Incas empires in South America, respectively.

Portuguese Colonial Initiatives

Exploratory navigations triggered the Portuguese colonial ambitions. In the search for a sea route to India, the Portuguese discovered potential areas. The gold and slave availability between Gambia and Senegal River mouths motivated their colonization of West Africa(Cole &Symes, 2013). The Portuguese' exploration success was facilitated by advancing marine technology. Compasses and marine chronometers helped navigators to pinpoint their exact locations on the globe during voyages.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the renaissance originating from Italy significantly contributed to taking European influence to new areas. Warfare was pivotal in the advancement of weaponry and marine equipment. The marine vessels and economic wealth fueled explorations which advantaged the Europeans. They presented new areas for Europeans to expand commerce and wealth.

References

Cole, J., &Symes, C. (2013). Western civilizations: Their history & their culture. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.