1. RENAISSANCE AND
REFORMATION
Mrs. Miles’ Social Studies Class

2. RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION
 Please get out your Renaissance and Reformation
two column notes sheet.

3. RENAISSANCE NOTES
 Why do you think this time period was called the
Renaissance?
 The time period between 1350 and 1500 was called
the Renaissance because people believed it
represented a new beginning, or rebirth, in Europe’s
history or culture. It was a period of creativity, new
ideas and inspirations.

4. RENAISSANCE
 Analyze the map on page 345 and explain why
you think the Renaissance began in Italy.
 The Renaissance began in Italy because many major
trade routes brought goods from different parts of the
world to Italy. This sparked people’s interest and
curiosity about the larger world. People’s curiosity
led to the start of the Renaissance period.

5. RENAISSANCE
 Who is Michelangelo?
 Michelangelo was a famous painter and sculptor.
Many of his pieces of art are very lifelike. He can be
called a “Renaissance Man.”

6. RENAISSANCE
 Who is Leonardo da Vinci?
 Leonardo da Vinci was a famous painter, sculptor,
architect, scientist and engineer. He created many
inventions. One of his inventions was the submarine.
He can be called a “Renaissance Man.”

7. RENAISSANCE
 Who is William Shakespeare?
 Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest
Renaissance writers. Many of his plays are still read
and performed today. He wrote more than 30
comedies, histories and tragedies.

8. RENAISSANCE
 Who is Johann Gutenberg?
 Gutenberg built the first moveable printing press in
the mid 1400s. This allowed for books to be printed
quickly and cheaply.

9. RENAISSANCE
 Why was the invention of the printing press so
important? Explain!
 The invention of the printing press was so important
because it allowed for people to gain easy access to
reading material. People could easily share ideas and
information with each other. This helped the ideas of
the Renaissance spread into distant areas.

10. REFORMATION NOTES
 Why did people break away from the Christian
church?
 Peoplebroke away from the Christian church
because they thought that the Catholic Church had
become unfair and corrupt.

11. REFORMATION
 Who was Martin Luther?
 Martin Luther was a German monk who nailed a list
of complaints onto the front door of the Catholic
church in Wittenberg. His followers were one of the
first groups to break away from the Catholic Church
and form a separate church.

12. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 In your own words, explain why the Renaissance
was a “rebirth”/new beginning for Europe’s
culture.
 How did life change during the Renaissance?
 How did the printing press help spread
Renaissance ideas?
 What led to the Reformation?