Why Did the Renaissance Only Happen in Europe?

The Renaissance only happened in Europe because Europe was where the rebirth of society was needed and because those that pioneered the efforts of the Renaissance lived in Europe.

The word Renaissance is translated to mean rebirth. The Renaissance is the period in Europe that began in the mid-fourteenth century and lasted through the late sixteenth century.

The Renaissance period took place throughout a majority of Europe only, as opposed to elsewhere, because society in Europe was in need of a rebirth due to many different factors. These factors included:

• The devastating effects of the Bubonic Plague
• The oppression experienced during the Medieval times
• The influence of Italy

Effects of the Bubonic Plague

Just prior to the Renaissance period, nearly the whole of Europe was affected by one of the worst and most deadly diseases in history. This disease became known in Europe as the Bubonic Plague or Black Death. The disease originated from the fleas of infected rats. When these fleas bit a person, the disease was transferred, much like malaria is today.

The disease is highly contagious and, therefore, could be transferred easily from person to person due to the congested living conditions throughout most of the major cities in Europe. The only way to escape the effects of the plague was to move to the country where it was not overpopulated.

Death of the Working Class

At this point in history, this was only possible for the wealthy. For the poor and middle class of the whole of Europe this option was an impossibility and their lack of option spelled out almost certain death. Over a period of approximately one hundred years, lasting from 1350 to 1450, the estimated death toll from this disease alone accounted for nearly half of the world’s population in Europe.

The massive loss of life led to a depression in the European economy due to the fact that there were less customers to spend money and support merchants.

After the threat of the Black Plague subsided, those who had fled for their safety returned to the cities and thus came about the rebirth of the European economy. This marked the beginning of the Renaissance period for the whole of Europe with the exception of Italy who had managed to not be affected by the Black Death.

Opposition During Medieval Times

Europe experienced conditions during the Middle Ages that contributed to the Renaissance taking place. The period prior to the Renaissance was known as the Medieval Age.

The Medieval Age was characterized by great expansion throughout the whole of Europe. This was especially true concerning the development of cities. Cities began to develop and thrive, giving rise to a large middle class society, which benefited the economy.

However, the people were still ruled under an oppressive and rigid government and were not afforded the rights to elements of a highly successful society. During this time the rights to education, literacy, and other fundamental rights were only reserved for the wealthy. The Black Plague, however, devastated the middle class marking the end of the Medieval Age and the dawn of the Renaissance period.

Italian Influence on the Renaissance

So much of what happened during the Renaissance centered in Italy.  Italy was essentially the only area of Europe that was not affected by the Black Plague. The economy in Florence was especially strong and the leadership in Italy wanted it to remain that way. Explorers from Italy travelled to Rome and Greece and discovered the treasures of their ancient culture. This included new ways of to think about art, architecture, reading, mathematics, and the sciences.

The explorers bought back this new way of thinking to Italy, which some consider the dawn of the Modern Age in Europe. The new way of thinking advanced technology and spread from Italy in the whole of Europe. The new way of thinking also allowed for the less than wealthy to become more educated as access to books and knowledge became more readily available for all.

The Renaissance, or rebirth, of the European economy and culture was exactly what was needed for the countries to rebound from the affects of the last 100 years. While remaining secular and highly religious, art and sculpting also changed to reflect the Italian influence and happier times.