The English Renaissance Is a Time of "rebirth"

The English renaissance is a time of "rebirth"

The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and technological changes, which swept Europe from the end of the 13th century. It was essential in developing Europe into a powerhouse. Although, each part of Europe was exposed to different changes, there were two principal renaissances, which were most prominent. They were the Italian and the Northern renaissance. Both of these renaissances had a profound impact on Europe. But they also had some typical differences among them and each was unique in its own way.

During the age before the Renaissance, all the old, classic teachings in things like medicine, philosophy, mathematics, were practically lost. Some historians blame the loss on the plagues, which decimated the populations of Europe...some blame it on the emergence of the Church as a secular power. For whatever reason, the old knowledge was lost to the general population.

During the Renaissance, that old knowledge was brought into the lives of the population again, and blossomed into a new direction of thinking. Art, which had been only for expressing Christian themes, was once again being viewed as something beautiful in and of itself. All manner of learning was making reappearance. It may have begun in Italy, but quickly spread throughout Europe. It changed everything...from art to government to religion.

The Elizabethan period Was the age of renaissance, of new ideas and new thinking. The introduction of the printing press during the renaissance, one of the greatest tools in increasing knowledge and learning. It Ruled longer than any other monarch during the renaissance. Attained new heights in world affairs, in art, in literature, in music.

Henry VIII (r. 1509-47) ruled an island kingdom about the size of Pennsylvania inhabited by fewer than 3 million people nearly 500 years ago, and yet he remains instantly recognizable to this day. He is notorious for his six marriages, but his reign was remarkable in other ways. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated patron of the arts, especially music. King Henry VIII's involvement in music is what most distinguishes him from other Renaissance monarchs, his unique musical activities.

These cogent achievements and growth alleviate the transition into an age of exponential growth, the Industrial Age. The Age of Enlightenment was an age of understanding, discovery, speculation and cultural advancement. It was a flagrant contrast to the preceding middle Ages, shedding a proverbial light on this Dark Age.