History Post Renaissance

6. Paper and Printing Press: Europeans learned the technique printing from the Arabs. Around 1450, John Gutenburg invented a typing machine, which can be called as the forerunner of the modern press. Printing presses were used in Rome in 1466. Caxton setup a printing press in Britain in 1477. The printing press brought revolutionary changes in the growth of intellectual sphere. The invention of paper and printing device brought about revolutionary changes. The books were made available in large quantities at very low prices. Therefore, the knowledge did not remain the monopoly of a single class. With the spread of knowledge, the hold of superstitious and blind faith was loosened and the people developed self-confidence. Hence, it is evident that the paper and the printing devices were the most influencing cause of Renaissance. It is true because the intellectual awareness increased in the real sense only after the invention of printing.

7. Decline of Feudalism: The Renaissance was able to flourish because the Feudalism was declining. The cause of decline of feudalism was the rise of middle class and their support to the kings. It was this middle class which promoted Renaissance only when the feudalism declined.

8. Occupation of Constantinople by the Turks:In 1453, the Turkish Empire occupied Constantinople, the capital of Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire of ancient times). Secondly, the Constantinople was great center of knowledge, philosophy and art. The Turks loved to fight but they had no love and utility for anything that could enhance their knowledge. Thousand of Greek scholars, philosophers and artists of this city were forced to migrate to other countries like Italy, France, Germany, England etc. in search of livelihood. They also took away to these countries the ancient Greek and Roman knowledge, science and a new way of thinking along with them. One cardinal brought 800 manuscripts to Italy. Thus, we can say that the fall of Constantinople