The Northern Renaissance (AP Euro Review)

Summary

In this engaging AP European History lecture, Tom Richey dives into the Northern Renaissance, contrasting it with the Italian Renaissance. The Northern Renaissance is highlighted for its stronger Christian influence and focus on societal reforms, in contrast to Italy's secular emphasis. Key figures such as Thomas More and Erasmus are explored, with Richey discussing More's 'Utopia' and Erasmus' critique of the Catholic Church through his work 'The Praise of Folly'. The video also touches on Erasmus' creation of a Greek New Testament, emphasizing the importance of returning to original classical texts for reform.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Northern Renaissance focuses more on Christian themes and social reforms compared to the secular focus of the Italian Renaissance.
• 😀 While the Italian Renaissance emphasized individualism, the Northern Renaissance humanists were more concerned with societal change and improving the collective good.
• 😀 Both Renaissance movements shared a strong emphasis on classical texts, including Greek, Roman, and Biblical literature.
• 😀 Thomas More, an English humanist, is most famous for writing *Utopia*, a critique of social inequality and an exploration of an ideal society based on equality and shared resources.
• 😀 In *Utopia*, Thomas More challenges harsh legal systems by suggesting that social problems like poverty should be solved through social cooperation, not punitive measures.
• 😀 Erasmus, a Dutch humanist, critiqued the Catholic Church in *The Praise of Folly*, using satire to question practices like the burning of heretics.
• 😀 Erasmus argued that the Church was not following the Bible's teachings on how to treat wayward individuals, calling for a return to original texts and a more scripture-based approach to Christian life.
• 😀 Erasmus's critique of Church practices and his focus on the human will, particularly through his work on a Greek New Testament, laid intellectual groundwork for the Protestant Reformation.
• 😀 *The Praise of Folly* uses the character of Folly to mock various aspects of society, including religious disputes, illustrating the disconnect between Church practices and biblical teachings.
• 😀 Erasmus believed that early Christian leaders, like St. Peter, were not wealthy but humble, which contrasted sharply with the wealth and power of the Catholic Church's leadership during his time.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Northern and Italian Renaissance?

The main difference is that the Northern Renaissance focused more on Christian themes and social reform, while the Italian Renaissance emphasized secularism and individualism, with more pagan influences alongside Christianity.

How does the Northern Renaissance differ in its approach to humanism compared to the Italian Renaissance?

In the Northern Renaissance, humanism was used not only to better the self but also to promote social reform. In contrast, the Italian Renaissance emphasized individualism and secular achievements.

What role did Thomas More play in the Northern Renaissance, and what was his most famous work?

Thomas More was a prominent English humanist known for his work *Utopia*. In it, he critiques contemporary society and envisions an ideal state where social problems like poverty and inequality are addressed.

What are some key themes in Thomas More's *Utopia*?

In *Utopia*, More critiques societal flaws such as harsh punishments for petty crimes and argues for a more just society based on social welfare, equality, and collective work.

How did Erasmus contribute to the critique of the Catholic Church during the Northern Renaissance?

Erasmus used satire in works like *The Praise of Folly* to criticize the Church’s practices, questioning issues like the burning of heretics and the accumulation of wealth by Church leaders, encouraging a return to simpler, more biblical Christianity.

What was Erasmus’ perspective on the Catholic Church’s wealth and authority?

Erasmus criticized the Church’s wealth and opulence, contrasting it with the humble, poor apostles. He suggested that if Church leaders wanted to imitate the apostles, they should adopt simpler, more humble lifestyles.

How did Erasmus’ work lay the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation?

Erasmus' critiques of the Catholic Church and his focus on returning to original Biblical texts (like through his Greek New Testament) challenged Church practices and beliefs, indirectly influencing the Reformation, even though Erasmus himself remained Catholic.

Why was Erasmus’ Greek New Testament important?

Erasmus’ Greek New Testament was significant because it provided a more accurate translation of the Bible from original Greek texts, challenging the Latin Vulgate and prompting a reevaluation of the Church's teachings based on more authentic sources.

How does Thomas More’s vision of the ideal society in *Utopia* differ from Plato’s vision in *The Republic*?

While both *Utopia* and *The Republic* aim to describe an ideal state, Thomas More’s vision in *Utopia* is less radical than Plato’s. For example, More maintains the family structure and doesn’t go as far as Plato in eliminating sexual distinctions or private property.

What does Erasmus mean by the term 'Folly' in *The Praise of Folly*, and how is it used to criticize society?

In *The Praise of Folly*, Folly is personified as a character who travels through society, highlighting absurdities and hypocrisies, especially in religious debates. Through Folly, Erasmus humorously critiques the Church, pointing out its contradictions and misinterpretations of Biblical teachings.