English Renaissance1480-1660

Key Factors of the Renaissance

1. The adoption of a humanist philosophy

2. The recovery of Greek & Roman classical literature

3. The spread of printing in the latter part of the 15th century

Time to Read

• With increased wealth (from the Americas), people had more free time and energy to pursue their interests in art, music, politics, and literature.

Printing Press• The creation of

the printing press in the 1450s encouraged authors to write in their local vernacular, widening the reading audience and promoting the spread of new ideas.

Humanism

• People began to question the power of church leaders and the Pope.• People began to focus on life on

earth, not just eternal life.