5.1.7

Key Figures in the Renaissance

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Renaissance Figures in Northern Europe

There were influential scholars and figures in the Renaissance who came from Northern Europe. They included Erasmus, Shakespeare, and Sir Thomas More.

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Erasmus

  • Desiderius Erasmus was a humanist scholar from the Netherlands.
  • He was very influential in his time.
  • Erasmus wrote 'The Praise of Folly' (1509) which criticised the Catholic Church for corruption.
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Shakespeare

  • William Shakespeare was a famous playwright from England.
  • The influence of the Renaissance can be seen in the themes and characters in his plays.
    • He focuses on creating complex characters, such as Hamlet, and themes which explore humanity.
    • Shakespeare also looked to the classical world for inspiration. For example, he used figures such as Julius Caesar.
Illustrative background for Sir Thomas MoreIllustrative background for Sir Thomas More ?? "content

Sir Thomas More

  • Sir Thomas More was a Renaissance humanist from England, as well as an author, social philosopher and statesman.
  • In the Catholic Church, More is venerated as a Saint for refusing to give up his Catholicism in exchange for his life.
    • He was executed by Henry VIII for refusing to accept him as the Head of the Church.
  • More is very famous for his book 'Utopia'.
    • The book imagines an ideal society.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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