The Renaissance, which started in the 14th century and ended around the 16th century, was a cultural change that began in Italy and spread throughout the whole of Europe. As the 14th century came to an end, it became obvious the world was entering a new age which would be a “rinascità” or “rebirth” of learning and literature, art and culture.1 Many causes such as the Crusades, foreign trade, and the conflict between various Popes, also known as the Western Schism, contributed to the beginning of this new age. While the Schism allowed the people to think for themselves and become open to new areas of thought, the Crusades gave Westerners an opportunity to come in contact with the East and the ability to open up avenues for foreign trade. Italy …show more content…
The ability to purchase books allowed the scattering of medical studies and research as the church lost its control of medical teachings and its hold on what the universities taught. The ancient Greek and Roman languages were reborn into Europe and were being taught again. The discoveries from Galileo's study of the stars revived societies interest in astronomy and chemistry came about as a result of Paracelsus' study of alchemy.8 The Renaissance brought many changes to the world but perhaps its greatest change would be that art and creativity, as well as how people thought, would never be the same again. However, a very important additional result of the Renaissance would have to be that of the Reformation. The Reformation was welcomed into Europe as peoples new way of thought meant that they no longer saw religion as a form of oppression and were now more open to preaching and the Word of God. The Renaissance brought about Reformers such as John Calvin and Martin Luther into Europe as they used their ability to broadcast their beliefs, which restored hope to the world and has brought about a great change that is still evident even to this