What Shaped Western Culture in the Period 1300-1550?

What Shaped Western Culture in the Period 1300-1550?
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What Shaped Western Culture in the Period 1300-1550?
Several historical events contributed significantly to shaping Western culture. Some of those historical events took place in the period 1300-1550. The Black Death is considered an important turning point in the history of Western culture. Also, according to Nauert (2006), the Renaissance allowed Western society to achieve great civilization through cultural, political, artistic, and economic rebirth. As such, the Renaissance, and its emphasis on human achievement, is perhaps the most influential in shaping Western culture in the period 1300-1550. It was characterized by significant religious leaders, changes in society's worldview, and changes in politics.
During the Renaissance, the authority of the Catholic Church was greatly challenged, and it was during this period that religious reforms took place and other churches were born. According to King (2003), one of the most significant individuals to challenge the Catholic Church and bring in the reforms was Martin Luther. Luther strongly believed that the church had no absolute power or authority over Christians and was also concerned by the conduct of many leaders in the church. His calls for reforms were met with resistance from within the church. However, Luther was fighting for more than church reforms; he wanted people to be allowed liberty and free thought (King, 2003). His calls for reforms also led to the formation of the reformed church led by John Calvin and set the ground for protestant churches in the West.
In addition, the Renaissance was characterized by changes in the worldview where the focus shifted from religion to philosophy. The humanist movement, born during this period, focused not on religion but on education and philosophy to create an unde...