Chapter 1 extra
Short note
1. Renaissance in europe
The European renaissance began in the 14th century C.E. and reached its zenith in the
15th-16th century C.E. These three centuries proved to be foundational stage of a culture
based on rationalism and science. This period gave a new direction to human intellect,
genius and way of life. People got more interested in unfolding the mysteries of the universe
Novel experiments were conducted in the field of science. In the pre-renaissance times the
thought about the existence of the universe revolved around the concept of ‘God’. Now,
humans formed the centre of this thought. This way of thinking is called ‘Humanism’. The
European rulers of the renaissance period encouraged adventurous seafarers to explore
distant lands and bring back information In 1543 C.E. Nicolaus Copernicus told the world
that the centre of our planetary system is the ‘Sun’ and not the ‘Earth’. In 1609 Galileo
prepared a more sophisticated telescope, which enabled further research in the field of
astronomy The first printing press in Germany was started in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
The first printing press in Italy started in 1451. The invention of printing has been an
outstanding gift of the renaissance period A number of modern universities came into
existence in Europe in the 18th century.
2. Metallurgy in europe
England had a number of iron mines but it was necessary to advance the technique of
smelting in order to acquire pure iron from it. Gradually the fuel for iron furnaces was
replaced from wood to coal. It facilitated creation of furnaces that could attain much higher
temperature resulting into increased production of iron. Later, special machines were made
to keep the furnaces burning at a set temperature and to maintain its aeration. In 1865 the
process of producing steel from molten iron was invented and the nature of iron industry
underwent major transformation. At about the same time, a method was developed to pour
the molten metal into casts for making iron bars (for example, rails).
3. Industrial revolution
‘Industrial Revolution’ indicates the transition from manual production to mechanised
production. In the 18th and 19th centuries steam powered and water powered (Hydraulic)
machines came into use for industrial production. Industrial revolution could happen only in a
capitalistic economy. In the capitalistic economy a new class of capitalists emerged, who
were either owners of industrial establishments (factories) or could provide capital to such
establishments. In England the atmosphere was suitable for industrial revolution. Large
amounts of iron ore and coal were available. The damp climate of England was suitable for
producing cotton yarn. With these favourable conditions, textile industry flourished in
England. At that time England had established its colonies in many countries. So, England
could easily obtain large quantities of essential raw material at cheap rates from the
colonies. England could also export the processed goods to the colonies and sell it there
with large profit margins using their naval facilities. The profits earned in the colonies made
large amounts of capital available to the British merchants. Availability of cheap labour made
it possible for them to maintain optimum level of costs. These factors giving boost to
economy prepared favourable ground for the onset of industrial revolution in England.
Industrial revolution
Explain with reason
1. Invention of printing press is a gift of renaissance period
The European renaissance began in the 14th century C.E. and reached its zenith in the
15th-16th century C.E. These three centuries proved to be foundational stage of a culture
based on rationalism and science. The inventions of gunpowder and printing respectively
brought about fundamental changes in the techniques of warfare and dissemination of
knowledge. The first printing press in Germany was started in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
The first printing press in Italy started in 1451. The invention of printing has been an
outstanding gift of the renaissance period. New avenues opened to extend varied
information and knowledge to common people
2. Industrial revolution first began in england
In England the atmosphere was suitable for industrial revolution. Large amounts of iron ore
and coal were available. The damp climate of England was suitable for producing cotton
yarn. With these favourable conditions, textile industry flourished in England. At that time
England had established its colonies in many countries. So, England could easily obtain
large quantities of essential raw material at cheap rates from the colonies. England could
also export the processed goods to the colonies and sell it there with large profit margins
using their naval facilities. The profits earned in the colonies made large amounts of capital
available to the British merchants. Availability of cheap labour made it possible for them to
maintain optimum level of costs. These factors giving boost to economy prepared favourable
ground for the onset of industrial revolution in England. Industrial revolution,
State your opinion
1. European renaissance promoted thought of humanism
The European renaissance began in the 14th century C.E. and reached its zenith in the
15th-16th century C.E. These three centuries proved to be foundational stage of a culture
based on rationalism and science. This period gave a new direction to human intellect,
genius and way of life. People got more interested in unfolding the mysteries of the universe
by adopting scientific approach. In the pre-renaissance times the thought about the
existence of the universe revolved around the concept of ‘God’. Now, humans formed the
centre of this thought. This way of thinking is called ‘Humanism’.
2. European natural scientist of 17th century laid foundation of modern science
It is said that the European natural scientists of the 17th century laid the foundations of
modern science. The scientists of the 17th century put emphasis on the following things : to
prove that scientific principles established by empirical experiments remain true despite time
and space; to convert the emergent scientific rules into scientific formulae; to create a new
scientific parlance and so on. These efforts helped the progress of science. Scientists began
their search for reality by strictly using the scientific method, which emphasises on empirical
experience. This very approach led to the onset of modern age of science. Learning
mathematics, science and arts gained importance during renaissance, for example the
works of Leonardo da Vinci.