European European Culture and Culture and Daily LifeDaily Life

Renaissance and Reformation Notes

Welcome to Europe!!!Welcome to Europe!!!

What was life like in What was life like in Europe in the 1500s Europe in the 1500s

and 1600s?and 1600s?• Daylight means work

and night means sleep.o Because most people are

farmers.

• The village center is the community meeting place.o Place for protest, games,

sports.

What role did What role did superstition play in superstition play in

European life?European life?• Most Europeans

believe nothing is an accident.o Example: lightening striking a

house is the work of a demon.

• Belief in witches, and witch-hunting, explodes in the 1500s.o Punishment for being found

guilty of being a witch was death.

o Priests and older folks are looked to for guidance.

How did knowledge How did knowledge spread in Europe?spread in Europe?

• Printed works begin spreading throughout villages.o These include broadside, or

single sheets of informationo Almanacs, or books

containing calendars, predictions of weather, and advice for growing crops, also spread throughout Europe.

• Many schools are established based on religious beliefs.

Thought Tickler…Thought Tickler…

• Many consider the printing press the most important invention in history…what do you think?

How was society How was society changing?changing?

• The standard of living, or measure of the quality of life, is very low during the 1500s.

• Peasants living in Europe can afford very little.o Diets consist of mainly eggs and cheese.

• Meat and fish is very expensive.o People live in thatch-roofed houses with no beds.

• People begin moving to the city to search for a better life.