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2.6 Consequences of the Renaissance
The Renaissance led to significant results. It
brought about a transition from the medieval to the modern age.
This period witnessed the end of the old and reactionary medieval
spirit, and the beginning of the new spirit of science, reason and
experimentation. The hands of the monarchy were strengthened. People
in Europe were tired of feudal anarchy. They looked up to the monarchy
to ensure peace and order, political stability and economic prosperity.
The culture of the Christian people was enriched.
However, the Renaissance weakened the church, which could not occupy
the position of unquestioned authority, it had possessed during
the medieval period.
The Renaissance gave a great impetus to art, architecture,
learning and literature which reached tremendous heights. It also
created a reverence for antiquity and a great respect for the ancient
Greek and Roman classics.
Further, the Renaissance led to the creation of
humanism, and gave a stimulus to the growth of vernacular literature.
As a result, the Italian, French, German, Spanish and English languages
blossomed at that time.
The Protestant Reformation movement was also strengthened
by the Renaissance. It resulted in far-reaching scientific inventions
and geographical discoveries. The study of history was made more
critical and scientific owing to the development of a more critical
spirit demanding accuracy and the discovery of many historical manuscripts.
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