History — Chapter 11
The Modern Age in Europe — (A) Renaissance
Class 9 – Total History & Civics Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1
Which of the following is the correct order of hierarchy of medieval Europe?
Answer
Dukes — Barons — Knight — peasants
Question 2
Which of the following was NOT a result of the Fall of Constantinople?
Answer
Crusades
Question 3
…………… refer to the religious expeditionary wars with the goal of restoring the Church’s
access to holy places in and near Jerusalem.
Answer
Crusades
Question 4
Where did the first Renaissance begin?
Answer
Italy
Question 5
Which of the following is incorrect?
Answer
Donatello : Pieta
Question 6
Answer
Proof that the earth revolves around the sun.
Question 7
Interest in man, his interests, his nature and his life on earth is referred to as
Answer
Humanism
Select Correct Relationship
Question 1
(A) Renaissance, which means rebirth or revival, was a complex transitional movement
that began in Europe in the 14th century in Italy and lasted till 17 th century.
(B) Many Greek and Roman scholars shifted to Rome and revived the learning of Greek
classics and paved the way for Renaissance.
Answer
(B)Is the reason for (A)
Explanation — Constantinople fell into the hands of the Turks in 1453. The Roman and
Greek scholars were forced to shift to Rome and other parts of Europe with their
manuscripts. They spread their new spirit and ideas, wherever they went. The revival of the
learning of Greek classics paved the way for the Renaissance.
Question 2
(A) The disintegration of the feudal order in Europe ushered in a new social and
economic order.
(B) The new order led to new developments in art, literature, philosophy and science
and contributed to the rise of Renaissance.
Answer
(B)Is the reason for (A)
Explanation — The disintegration of the feudal order in Europe gave rise to peace which
further helped to promote growth of learning. The new order thus, led to new developments
in art, literature, philosophy and science and contributed to the rise of Renaissance.
Question 3
(A) The wealthy merchants of Italy patronised the artists and literary figures for the
revival of classical culture and literature.
(B) The opening of new trade routes between the East and the West led to the revival of
feudalism in Europe.
Answer
(A) Is true but (B) is false.
Explanation — The opening of new trade routes between the East and the West during the
Age of Discovery led to an increase in commerce and the rise of a merchant class.
Question 4
(A) Renaissance led to the use of local languages instead of Latin.
(B) During Renaissance, the authors dwelt on spiritual themes.
Answer
(A) Is true but (B) is false.
Explanation — During the Renaissance, there was indeed a shift towards the use of local
languages (vernacular) instead of Latin in literature, which helped make written works more
accessible to the general public. Also, the Renaissance is often characterized by a move
away from purely religious themes to a broader exploration of human potential and
achievements.
Question 5
(A) Renaissance led to the Reformation Movement in England and in Europe.
(B) During the Renaissance period, there occurred a division of the Church into two
sects – Catholics and the Protestants.
Answer
(B)Is the reason for (A).
Explanation — During Renaissance, people became critical of the Church and insisted on
the reform of the Church. This led to the division of the Church into two sects — Catholics
and the Protestants leading to the Reformation Movement in England and in Europe.
Short Answer Question
Question 1
What is meant by the term ‘Renaissance’?
Answer
The term ‘Renaissance’ means rebirth or revival. It stands for a complex transitional
movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in
Italy and lasting into the 17th century.
Question 2
Mention any two causes of the Renaissance.
Answer
Two causes of the Renaissance were:
Capture of Constantinople — Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire fell
into the hands of the Turks in 1453. This forced the Roman and Greek scholars to shift to
Rome and other parts of Europe with their manuscripts. These genius scholars spread their
new spirit and ideas, wherever they went paving the way for Renaissance.
Decline of Feudalism — Decline of Feudalism in the 13th and 14th centuries provided an
impetus to free thinking and favoured the growth of new learning. It led to new
developments in the spheres of art, literature, philosophy and science and contributed to
the rise of Renaissance.
Question 3
What was the result of the victory of the Turks over Constantinople?
Answer
Constantinople was the capital of Eastern Roman Empire and centre of Greek and Roman
cultures. It had valuable manuscripts of Greek and Roman writers. When it fell into the
hands of the turks in 1453, the roman and Greek scholars were forced to shift to Rome and
other parts of Europe with their manuscripts. Rome then became the centre of Greek
culture. These scholars were geniuses, men of liberal outlook, humanism and logical
thinking. They spread their new spirit and ideas, wherever they went. In this way they
revived the interest of the people in the study of Greek philosophy, science, art and
literature. The revival of the learning of Greek classics paved the way for the Renaissance.
Question 4
The decline of feudalism led to the rise of Renaissance. Give two reasons.
Answer
The two reasons for the rise of Renaissance with decline of feudalism were:
The decline of feudalism provided an impetus to free thinking.
The peace and freedom that prevailed after the decline of feudalism favoured the growth of
New learning.
Question 5
Mention any two factors that led to the growth of the spirit of enquiry among the people of
Europe.
Answer
Two factors that led to the growth of the spirit of enquiry among the people of Europe were:
Role of original thinkers — During the Medieval Age, the church discouraged original
thinking but certain bold and independent thinkers who criticised the church and their
dogmas, came up. They asked the people to developed their own thinking. Thinkers like
Roger Bacon, Abelard, Thomas Aquinas revolutionised the thought process and laid stress
on reasoning.
Development of science — Certain medieval scholar showed a scientific attitude and
asked their students to observe things in nature. This brought in many new inventions and
discoveries. Development of science created the spirit of enquiry and scientific temper.
Question 6
How did the invention of the printing press bring in a new awakening in Europe?
Answer
In the Middle Ages, books were few and they were beyond the reach of the ordinary people.
The Printing Press enabled Europe to multiply books and put them within the reach of
people. The printing press spread knowledge far and wide. Scholars found it easier to read
printed books than hand-written manuscripts. Printing and distribution of books influenced
people’s attitude to life and brought about a new awakening in Europe.
Question 7
Mention any two consequences of geographical explorations.
Answer
Two consequences of geographical explorations are:
The geographical discoveries led to the establishment of trade between Europe and the
East.
They also paved the way for the process of colonisation of Asia and Africa.
Question 8
Explain briefly the term ‘Humanism’.
Answer
Humanism was regarded as the most remarkable phenomena of Renaissance. It was a
product of the spread of education and learning. The word humanism was derived from the
Latin words ‘Studia humanitatis’ (the studies of mankind). Basically it meant a decisive
shift in concern for human as distinct from divine matters. Humanism extolled man and
stressed his essential dignity. It was centred on the man of flesh and blood with all his
earthly joys and sorrows. It opposed religious asceticism. It defended man’s right to
pleasure and the satisfaction of earthly desires and requirements.
Question 9
Why did Renaissance begin in Italy? Give two reasons.
Answer
Renaissance began in Italy because of following reasons:
Italy was the seat of the glorious Roman Empire and all the historical remains and relics of
the Romans were found there. These attracted a number of scholars and artists.
The enormous wealth which Italy had accumulated as a result of trade with the east also
contributed to the rise of Renaissance. The wealthy merchants of Italy patronised the
artists and literary figures and used their wealth for the revival of classical culture and
literature.
Question 10
Renaissance artists tried to depict life on canvas and stone. With reference to this
statement, describe the progress in the art of painting.
Answer
The Renaissance painters established very high standards and produced some of the
greatest paintings of the time. The artists of the Renaissance period refused to abide by
medieval rules, tradition and adopted new artistic methods such as frescoes for wall
pictures, oil colours and woodcuts. They studied optics and geometry and used their
knowledge to develop perspective in their paintings. They also studied human anatomy to
find the mechanism underlying gestures and expressions. They had a humanistic secular
approach and produced highly artistic and life like paintings.
Question 11
Mention the impact of the Renaissance in the field of English literature.
Answer
The most significant impact of Renaissance on literature was the use of local languages,
instead of Latin as in the Middle Ages. Besides, there was a change of themes in the literary
work. Earlier writers dwelt on spiritual themes including heaven. However, during
Renaissance, the authors wrote on man and his problems. A number of english poets and
dramatists of repute were produced in England. Some of the English writers of Renaissance
period were Geoffrey Chaucer, Thomas More, Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare, etc.
Structured Questions
Question 1
Many factors contributed to usher in the spirit of Renaissance, which had far-reaching
consequences for the entire world. In this context, write short notes on:
(a) Invention of the printing press.
(b) Decline of Feudalism.
(c) Capture of Constantinople.
Answer
(a) Invention of the printing press — The first printing press was set up in Germany by
Gutenberg in the middle of the 15th century. Later on Caxton introduced it in
England. The invention of printing press in the middle of the 15 th century in Europe
made it possible to produce books in large numbers. The Bible and many other
religious and classical books were printed and made available all over Europe. The
printing press spread knowledge far and wide. Scholars found it easier to read
printed books than hand-written manuscripts. In the Middle Ages, books were few
and they were beyond the reach of the ordinary people. The Printing Press enabled
Europe to multiply books and put them within the reach of people. Printing and
distribution of books influenced people’s attitude to life and brought about a new
awakening in Europe.
(b) Decline of Feudalism — Feudalism was a system according to which the medieval
European society was organised on the basis of land tenure. In this system, all the
people, from the King down to the lowest land owners were bound together by
obligation and defence. The King used to give estates to his lords (Dukes and Earls).
The Lords, distributed a part of their land among the lesser lords (Barons), who
provided them with military support. The Dukes and Earls owned allegiance directly
to the king, whereas the Barons owed allegiance to Dukes and Earls. The Knights
formed the lower category of feudal lords. The feudal lords did not cultivate their
lands and gave it to the peasants for cultivation.
The society had a graded organisation in which there was hardly any chance for social
mobility and progress. It was also opposed to freedom and equality of rights. Decline of
Feudalism in the 13th and 14th centuries provided an impetus to free thinking. The peace
and freedom that prevailed after the decline of feudalism favoured the growth of New
Learning. It led to new developments in the spheres of art, literature, philosophy and
science and contributed to the rise of Renaissance.
(c) Capture of Constantinople — Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman
Empire and was a centre of Greek and Roman cultures. It had valuable manuscripts of
Greek and Roman writers. But Constantinople fell into hands of the Turks in 1453. Many
Greek and Roman scholars were thus, forced to shift to Rome and other parts of Europe
with their manuscripts. Rome then became the centre of Greek culture. These scholars
were geniuses, men of liberal outlook, humanism and logical thinking. Wherever they went,
they spread their new spirit and ideas. They revived the interest of people in the study of
Greek philosophy, science, art and literature. The revival of the learning of Greek classics
paved the way for the Renaissance.
Question 2
Renaissance brought in a spirit of enquiry among the people of Europe. In this context,
answer the following question:
(a) Explain briefly the role of original thinkers in promoting the spirit of enquiry among
the people of Europe.
(b) How did the development of science create the spirit of enquiry?
(c) What was the role of Crusades in ushering in the spirit of enquiry?
Answer
(a) During the Medieval Age, the Church discouraged original thinking and called upon
scholars to put faith in the Church dogmas. However, original thinking could not be
suppressed for a long time and certain bold and independent thinkers criticised the
Church and asked the people to develop their own thinking. They developed a spirit
of enquiry and a sense of curiosity among the people. They taught human beings to
know the Why and How of things. Thinkers like Roger Bacon, Abelard, Thomas
Aquinas revolutionised the thought process and laid stress on reasoning.
(b) Certain medieval scholars showed a scientific attitude and asked their students to
observe things in nature. This brought in many new inventions and discoveries.
Development of science created the spirit of enquiry and scientific temper. Roger
Bacon contemplated the use of horseless carriages and flying machines.
Copernicus proved that the Earth moves around the Sun. Galileo invented the
telescope. These inventions broadened the mental outlook of the people and put an
end to the old beliefs and traditions.
(c) The Crusades were the religious expeditionary wars with the goal of restoring the
Church’s access to holy places in and near Jerusalem. They brought the people of
Europe into direct contact with the people of Asia. The Crusades brought to Western
Europe ideas from the East. It widened their outlook on life. People began to rely on
reason rather than on blind faith.
Question 3
Renaissance or rebirth brought about drastic changes in art, literature and science. In this
context, wite short notes on the following:
(a) Leonardo Da Vinci
(b) William shakespeare
(c) Copernicus
Answer
(a) Leonardo Da Vinci — Leonardo Da Vinci was a great painter, sculpture, musician
and a scientist. Da Vinci’s interests ranged far beyond fine arts. He studied nature,
mechanics, anatomy, physics, architecture and weaponry. He saw science and art
as complementary rather than distinct disciplines, and thought that ideas
formulated in one realm could, and should, inform the other. He spent a great deal
of time immersing himself in nature, testing scientific laws, dissecting bodies
(human and animals) and thinking and writing about his observations. In the early
1490s, Da Vinci started documenting about four broad themes — painting,
architecture, mechanics and human anatomy. He created thousands of pages of
neatly drawn illustrations. His paintings of the 'Virgin of the Rocks', 'The Last Supper’
and ‘Mona Lisa’ are great masterpieces of art.
(b) William Shakespeare — He was an english poet, playwright and actor who is widely
regarded as the greatest writer in the English Language and the world’s pre-eminent
dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the ‘Bard of Avon’. He
wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems and a few other verses. His
first plays were mostly historical dramas like Richard II, Henry VI and Henry V with
the exception of Romeo and Juliet. In his early period, he wrote comedies like A
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Twelfth
Night. After 1600, he wrote tragedies like Hamlet, King Lear, Othello and Macbeth.
William Shakespeare’s work transcends culture and history. He appeals to emotions
and thoughts that are a part of eternal human nature and therefore, have a universal
appeal.
(c) Copernicus — Nicolaus Copernicus was a mathematician and astronomer. He
formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at the
centre of the universe. The publication of this model in his book ‘De revolutionibus
orbium celestium’ (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), just before his
death in 1543, is regarded as a major event in the history of science, triggering the
Copernican Revolution. He introduced the Heliocentric theory. This also led to a
series of discoveries by scientists like John Kepler, Galileo and Isaac Newton.
Question 4
Study the picture given below and answer the following questions:
(a) Identify the painting and name the artist who made it. Name another famous
painting by the same artist.
(b) Write a short note on the artist who made this painting.
(c) What changes occurred in the style of painting as a result of the Renaissance spirit
in Europe?
Answer
(a) The given painting is ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo Da Vinci. ‘Mona Lisa’ is the other
famous painting by him.
(b) Leonardo Da Vinci was a great painter, sculpture, musician and a scientist. Da
Vinci’s interests ranged far beyond fine arts. He studied nature, mechanics,
anatomy, physics, architecture and weaponry. He refined his skills of painting and
sculpture and trained in Mechanical arts under Andrea del Verrocchio. He saw
science and art as complementary rather than distinct disciplines, and thought that
ideas formulated in one realm could, and should, inform the other. He spent a great
deal of time immersing himself in nature, testing scientific laws, dissecting bodies
(human and animals) and thinking and writing about his observations. In the early
1490s, Da Vinci started documenting about four broad themes — painting,
architecture, mechanics and human anatomy. He created thousands of pages of
neatly drawn illustrations. His paintings of the ‘Virgin of the Rocks’, ‘The Last Supper’
and ‘Mona Lisa’ are great masterpieces of art.
(c) The artists of the Renaissance period refused to abide by medieval rules and
tradition. They adopted new artistic methods such as frescoes for wall pictures, oil
colours and woodcuts. They studied optics and geometry and used their knowledge
to develop perspective in their paintings. They also studied human anatomy to find
the mechanism underlying gestures and expressions. They were able to show their
talent without being restricted by the rigid rules of the church. The Renaissance
painters had a humanistic secular approach and produced highly artistic and life
like paintings.