SSLC History Chapter 1 Important Questions Humanism

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Class 10 History Chapter 1 Important Questions and Answers Humanism

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 1 Humanism Important Questions

Humanism Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
The word “Renaissance” means ……………………….
Answer:
Rebirth

Question 2.
The Renaissance is considered as a period of transformation from …………………. (a) …………………… to ……………….. (b) ………………..
Answer:
(a) the medieval feudalism
(b) the modern age.

Question 3.
The two most important civilisations that existed in ancient Europe were the Greek and Roman
civilisations. They are known as ………………………..
Answer:
classical civilisations.

Question 4.
The Bubonic Plague, which erupted in the mid-14th century, severely affected Italian cities. This
catastrophic event, known as the …………………………
Answer:
Black Death.

Question 5.
………………………… was one of the most important sculptors of the Renaissance period.
Answer:
Donatello

Question 6.
The Last Supper and Mona Lisa are world-famous paintings by …………………….
Answer:
Leonardo da Vinci

Question 7.
Sculpture was another equally notable field of ……………………….
Answer:
Renaissance art

Question 8.
………………………. developed in Europe in the second half of the Middle Ages.
Answer:
Gothic style

Question 9.
The Prince was written by …………………………..
Answer:
Niccolo Machiavelli

Question 10.
……………………… established the first printing press in Europe.
Answer:
Johannes Gutenberg

Question 11.
Define the term Renaissance?
Answer:
The word “Renaissance” means “rebirth.” It denotes the revival of ancient Greco-Roman culture, which began around the 14^th century. The Renaissance is considered as a period of transformation from the medieval feudalism to the modern age.

Question 12.
What do you mean by Greco Roman Civilisations?
Answer:
The two most important civilisations that existed in ancient Europe were the Greek and Roman civilisations. They are known as classical civilisations. The Greek civilisation was from 12^th to 4^th century BCE. The Roman civilisation existed from the 7^th century BCE to the 5^th century CE.

Question 13.
Explain Bookkeeping.
Answer:
Detailed recording of the income and expenditure of an establishment on a daily basis is called bookkeeping. Bookkeeping is the first step in accounting.

Question 14.
Define black death?
Answer:
The Black Death is the epidemic that ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351. Black boils appeared on those who were affected by the disease. That is why the disease is known as Black Death. This epidemic spread through the fleas carried by rats that reached European ports via merchant ships.

Question 15.
What situation gave way for Humanism?
Answer:
When traditional medicines failed to fight the plague, people began to explore the medical sciences of ancient Greece and Rome. The terrors of the plague prompted human beings to contemplate the fleeting nature of life, seek wellness, and focus on their own well-being. This introspection paved the way for the emergence of humanism.

Question 16.
Briefly explain the colonial perspective of European Renaissance.
Answer:
Several arguments have emerged of late challenging the conventional view that the Renaissance originated in Europe. Works like Stolen Legacy by George James, Black Athena: The Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilisation by Martin Bernal present alternative perspectives. They are of the view that colonial historians have perpetuated a Eurocentric narrative, portraying Europe as the sole hub of civilisation. They dismissed the contributions of other cultures. According to these critics, this biased approach has led to the marginalisation of non-European cultures, implying that only Europeans are civilised while others are uncivilised.

Question 17.
Define the term Chronicles.
Answer:
Monarchs traditionally appointed court historians to record the events of their kingdoms. These historians documented the events during the reigns of their patrons. Modem historians have labelled these texts as “Chronicles” as they provide a continuous, chronological account of events.

Question 18.
Differentiate between Reformation and Counter-Reformation.
Answer:

Aspect	Reformation	Counter-Reformation
Reason	Started to protest against some practices in the Catholic Church.	Reform movement within the catholic church.
Leaders	Martin Luther, John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, King Henry VIII.	Catholic Church leaders, including the Pope and Ignatius Loyola.
Actions Taken	Luther wrote the Ninety-Five Theses, Protestant churches were formed, and rulers reduced the Church’s power.	The Council of Trent was held, indulgences were banned, and missionary work was encouraged.
Main Goal	To reform the Church and reduce the Pope’s power, leading to the creation of Protestant churches.	To strengthen the Catholic Church and stop people from leaving it.

Question 19.
Following the reformation catholic church initiated a new form of reform. Identify the reform and explain.
Answer:

• Following the Reformation, the Catholic Church initiated efforts to reform itself, a movement known as the Counter-Reformation.
• Counter-Reformation is also known as Catholic Reformation.

As part of this initiative, the Church leadership convened the Council (Synod) of Trent in Northern Italy. The objectives of this council were to correct erroneous tendencies within the Church and to implement reforms. As a result, the sale of indulgences was banned. A list of books (The Index) that the believers should not read was published. The court of inquisition, which was there in Medieval times, was reinstituted. ‘The Society of Jesus, set up by Ignatius Loyola, a Spanish priest, also played a prominent part in Counter Reformation. Its members were bound to observe strict discipline and unquestioned obedience. They tried to establish the authority of the Catholic Church by setting up schools and engaging in active missionary work. Counter Reformation succeeded in eliminating a number of wrong tendencies in the Catholic Church. Counter¬Reformation is also known as Catholic Reformation.

Question 20.
Explain the transformation in the field of Astronomy during the renaissance period.
Answer:
Remarkable transformations took place in the field of astronomy during this period. The geocentric model of Ptolemy, which positioned the Earth at the center of the universe, remained unchallenged until the 16th century. Later, Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish astronomer and priest, challenged this prevailing doctrine. He presented a revolutionary argument that the centre of the universe is not the Earth but the Sun. Through his observations, Copernicus demonstrated that the Earth and the other planets revolve around the Sun. Kepler’s path-breaking findings revealed that the speed of planets varied based on their distance from the Sun, which laid the foundation towards the end of the 17th century for Isaac Newton’s formulation of the theory of gravitation. Galileo’s findings provided conclusive evidence in support of Copernicus’ principles.

Question 21.
What are the classifications made by Flavio Biondo and Leonardo Bruni?
Answer:
The classification made by them was:

• the Ancient Period, spanning up to the 5th century CE;
• the Medieval Period, extending from the 5th to the 15th century;
• and the Modem Period, encompassing the era thereafter.

This classification emerged during the Renaissance period. It was introduced by two Italian historians, Flavio Biondo and Leonardo Bruni.

Question 22.
What are the features of Italian cities, and how do they differ from European cities?
Answer:

• They were more independent, wealthy and dynamic.
• Traders in these cities were well aware of banking and insurance. Some of them had expertise in technical matters of trade, such as bookkeeping.
• Many of them had become extremely wealthy through trade.
• Italian cities got acquainted with the cultures, cities, and lives of the people in the Eastern world. This accelerated the growth of Italian cities. As a result of trade links with the Islamic Empire and the Byzantine empire, enormous wealth flowed into the Italian Cities.
• Merchants in Italian cities gained a monopoly in the trade between the East and West in the Mediterranean.

Question 23.
What is meant by scholasticism?
Answer:
The Middle Ages were predominantly influenced by the philosophical school of thought known as * scholasticism, which was deeply rooted in Christian theology. Humanism emerged as a departure from Christian theology, emphasising the significance of human experience, worldly life and rational inquiry. Humanists highlighted the uniqueness, emotions, capabilities, literary expression, and communication skills inherent in humanity. This paradigm shift was founded on a transformation from a theological perspective to a human- centered outlook. Humanism also accommodated dissenting voices and criticism, questioning the authority of religious dogma and domination.

Question 24.
Define the role of Architecture in Renaissance.
Answer:
Architecture was another field that witnessed transformation besides painting and sculpture. Filippo Brunelleschi set a new style in architecture. Quite different from the Gothic architectural style of the medieval period, the influence of ancient Greco-Roman (classical) style is evident in the Cathedral he built in Florence. The lofty towers found in Gothic style were replaced with domes (Dumo). Later, in St. Peter’s Basilica, built under the supervision of Michelangelo and Bramante, this style is more evident.

Gothic style: Gothic style developed in Europe in the second half of the Middle Ages. It originated in France. The pointed arch was its striking feature. A large number of churches and universities were built in Europe in this style.

Question 25.
How did the Renaissance influence the modern world?
Answer:
The Renaissance was a period of great cultural, artistic, and intellectual awakening that transformed Europe and had a lasting impact on the modern world. It encouraged people to think critically and explore new ideas in science, art, and literature. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg helped spread knowledge quickly, leading to an increase in literacy and education. Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created masterpieces that set new standards for art and architecture. Writers like William Shakespeare and Dante introduced new literary styles that are still admired today.

In science, thinkers like Copernicus and Galileo challenged traditional beliefs and laid the foundation for modern astronomy and physics. The Renaissance also promoted humanism, which emphasised individual potential and the importance of questioning authority. These ideas influenced later movements like the Enlightenment and the democratic revolutions in many countries. Overall, the Renaissance played a key role in shaping modern education, government, and scientific progress, making it one of the most important periods in world history.

Question 26.
What are the features of Renaissance paintings?
Answer:

• Landscapes
• The use of colour to illustrate light and spatial depth
• Realistic depiction of the human body
• The use of oil paint
• Portraits
• The representation of divine figures in idealised human forms

Question 27.
Explain the renaissance in Italy using the following Hints:
a. Commercialisation
b. Crusades
c. Black Death
Answer:
The commercialisation that occurred in Europe by the 11^th century led to the disintegration of the medieval feudal system and the decline of religious supremacy. This led to the emergence and domination of the new wealthy class. As a result, several wealthy families also emerged in Italy.

The Crusades that took place during the medieval period facilitated cultural exchange between the East and the West. Italian cities got acquainted with the cultures, cities, and lives of the people in the Eastern world. This accelerated the growth of Italian cities. Merchants in Italian cities gained a monopoly in the trade between the East and West in the Mediterranean.

The Crusades: The wars fought between believers of Islam and Christianity over Jerusalem, which was considered a holy land by both, are known as Crusades. The crusades that took place from the 11^th to 13^th century had a profound impact on the political, social and economic lives in both Europe and Asia.

The Bubonic Plague, which empted in the mid-14th century, several affected the Italian cities. This catastrophic event, known as the ‘Black Death,’ claimed the lives of thousands, resulting in a severe shortage in labour.

The Black Death is the epidemic that ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351. Black boils appeared on those who were affected by the disease. That is why the disease is known as Black Death. This epidemic spread through the fleas carried by rats that reached European ports via merchant ships.

Shortage in labour

• This paved the way for the decline of medieval feudalism, which was heavily reliant on the agricultural sector. Furthermore, it facilitated the emergence of a new commercial middle class.
• When traditional medicines failed to fight the plague, people began to explore the medical sciences of ancient Greece and Rome. The terrors of the plague prompted human beings to contemplate the fleeting nature of life, seek wellness, and focus on their own well-being. This introspection paved the way for the emergence of humanism.

Question 28.
Explain the role of Art in Renaissance.
a. Painting
b. Sculpture
c. Architecture
Answer:
a. Paintings
Humanistic ideals were reflected profoundly in Renaissance paintings. Painters of the time presented human forms with remarkable accuracy, clarity, and meticulous attention to detail in their works. The knowledge they had acquired about human anatomy facilitated this artistic achievement.

Moreover, painters emphasised rationalism and human emotions, attributing significance to the values of this world. With the influence of humanism, artworks became increasingly precise and realistic. Painters often selected themes that emphasised theological significance for their works. However, Renaissance paintings had certain other distinctive features as well:

• Landscapes.
• The use of colour to illustrate light and spatial depth.
• Realistic depiction of the human body.
• The use of oil paint
• Portraits
• The representation of divine figures in idealised human forms.

The influence of Greco-Roman art was first evident in Giotto’s works. However, it was Masaccio, a painter who emerged later created a profound impact on all artists who came later. His wall paintings, characterised by their round shape and seeming to protrude from the surface, showcased human figures. Engaging in everyday life experiences. The Last Supper and Mona Lisa are world-famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. These paintings speak of the unique way in which da Vinci harmonises colour, shadow and light. He was a versatile genius who scientifically studied the human body.

In the ‘Last Supper,’ emotions like surprise, fear and guilt of Christ’s disciples are vividly etched as Christ reveals that one of them betrayed him. It is widely acknowledged that the enigmatic expressions of the Mona Lisa conceal many unanswered questions masterfully embedded by Leonardo da Vinci.

• The paintings done on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, along with The Last Judgment,’ have cemented Michelangelo’s status as an immortal artist. His works predominantly feature powerful and graceful human forms.
• Other notable painters of the Renaissance period include Titian and Raphael. Raphael portrayed humans as wise, moderate, and dignified. In their paintings, beauty and ideas were given equal importance.

b. Sculpture
Sculpture was another equally notable field of Renaissance art. Donatello was one of the most important sculptors of the Renaissance period. He liberated the art of sculpture from the medieval Gothic style, giving his works greater power and individuality. His iconic bronze sculpture, David, showcases a youthful figure standing with his weight shifted onto one leg. Another notable work, ‘Gattamelata, depicts a soldier sitting on horseback, evoking the cavalrymen of ancient Rome. Through this masterpiece, Donatello immortalised a secular hero.

Michelangelo’s sculptures, which depicted Gods in human forms, deviated significantly from the traditional ancient Greco-Roman style. His renowned works, such as the ‘Pieta’, which portrays the Virgin Mary with Jesus Christ on her lap and the majestic sculpture of ‘David ‘, have cemented his legacy as an immortal artist.

C. Architecture
Architecture was another field that witnessed transformation besides painting and sculpture. Filippo Brunelleschi set a new style in architecture. Quite different from the Gothic architectural style of the medieval period, the influence of ancient Greco-Roman (classical) style is evident in the Cathedral he built in Florence. The lofty towers found in Gothic style were replaced with domes (Dumo). Later, in the St. Peter’s Basilica, built under the supervision of Michelangelo and Bramante, this style is more evident.

Question 29.
What is the meaning of the term “Renaissance”?
Answer:
The term “Renaissance” means “rebirth.” It refers to the revival of ancient Greco-Roman culture that began around the 14th century in Europe.

Question 30.
What are the classical civilisations referred to during the Renaissance?
Answer:
The classical civilisations referred to during the Renaissance are the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.

Question 31.
Why is the Renaissance considered a period of transformation?
Answer:
The Renaissance is considered a period of transformation because it marked the shift from medieval feudalism to the modern age, with changes in social, economic, political, and cultural spheres influenced by ancient Greco-Roman ideas.

Question 32.
Write a note on ‘Black Death’.
Answer:
The Bubonic Plague, which erupted in the mid-14th century, several affected the Italian cities. This catastrophic event, known as the ‘Black Death,’ claimed the lives of thousands, resulting in a severe shortage in labour.

Black Death
The Black Death is the epidemic that ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351. Black boils appeared on those who were affected by the disease. That is why the disease is known as Black Death. This epidemic spread through the fleas carried by rats that reached European ports via merchant ships.

Question 33.
List some Italian families respective to their cities.
Answer:

Italian Families	Cities
Medici	Florence
Sforza	Milan
Famese	Parma
Orsini	Naples
Visconti	Milan

Question 34.
Define the term Classical civilisations.
Answer:
The two most important civilisations that existed in ancient Europe were the Greek and Roman civilisations. They are known as classical civilisations. The Greek civilisation was from 12^th to 4^th century BCE. The Roman civilisation existed from the 7^th century BCE to the 5^th century CE.

Question 35.
Who was a famous student of Plato in ancient Greece?
Answer:
Aristotle

Question 36.
What was the dominant philosophical school of thought during the Middle Ages?
Answer:
The Middle Ages were predominantly influenced by the philosophical school of thought known as scholasticism, which was deeply rooted in Christian theology.

Question 37.
How did humanists express their ideas in art and literature?
Answer:
Humanists produced works in regional languages instead of Latin and created paintings and sculptures in the Greco-Roman style, depicting human beings naturally and realistically.

Question 38.
What was the impact of humanism on language and literature?
Answer:
Humanists wrote in regional languages instead of Latin, making literature more accessible to common people and contributing to the development of national identities.

Question 39.
What was the main source of inspiration for humanists?
Answer:
Humanists drew inspiration from ancient Greco-Roman civilisations, studying their literature, philosophy, and art to develop new ideas about human potential and creativity.

Question 40.
Write the distinctive features of Renaissance painting.
Answer:

• Humanistic ideals were reflected profoundly in Renaissance paintings. Painters of the time presented human forms with remarkable accuracy, clarity, and meticulous attention to detail in their works.
• The knowledge they had acquired about human anatomy facilitated this artistic achievement.

Moreover, painters emphasised rationalism and human emotions, attributing significance to the values of this world. With the influence of humanism, artworks became increasingly precise and realistic. Painters often selected themes that emphasised theological significance for their works.

However, Renaissance paintings had certain other distinctive features as well:

• Landscapes
• The use of colour to illustrate light and spatial depth
• Realistic depiction of the human body
• The use of oil paint
• Portraits
• The representation of divine figures in idealised human forms

Question 41.
Differentiate between Middle age paintings and Renaissance paintings.
Answer:
Middle age paintings tend to emphasise spiritual themes, such as angels and heavenly realms, whereas Renaissance paintings focus on the beauty of the human form, originality and a naturalistic use of colours.

Question 42.
What was the most striking feature of Gothic architecture?
Answer:
The pointed arch was the most distinctive feature of Gothic architecture.

Question 43.
Who was one of the most important sculptors of the Renaissance period?
Answer:
Donatello was one of the most important sculptors of the Renaissance period.

Question 44.
How did Donatello change the art of sculpture?
Answer:
He moved away from the medieval Gothic style, giving his sculptures greater power and individuality.

Question 45.
What were the key themes of Renaissance literature?
Answer:
Renaissance literature focused on individual liberty, secular values, human emotions, and real-life experiences.

Question 46.
How did Renaissance literature differ from medieval literature?
Answer:
It broke away from scholasticism (medieval religious teachings) and emphasised humanism, reason, and personal expression.

Question 47.
Why did many Renaissance writers use regional languages?
Answer:
They wanted their works to be accessible to a wider audience instead of being limited to scholars who knew Latin.

Question 48.
What political ideas did Niccolo Machiavelli present in ‘‘The Prince”?
Answer:
He believed a ruler’s main duty was to maintain power and security and that leaders should be practical rather than morally idealistic.

Question 49.
How did the Renaissance contribute to the classification of history?
Answer:

• This classification divides history into three distinct periods:
• the Ancient Period, spanning up to the 5th century CE;
• the Medieval Period, extending from the 5th to the 15th century;
• the Modern Period, encompassing the era thereafter.
• This classification emerged during the Renaissance period. It was introduced by two Italian historians, Flavio Biondo and Leonardo Bruni.

The transition from medieval Christian tradition to a secular life and thought was also reflected in the realm of historiography. During the Middle Ages, the prevailing notion was that historical events were divinely ordained and supernatural powers governed the course of history. This perspective lost its relevance during the Renaissance period. Instead, human-centered explanations and interpretations gained recognition. Human life became the focus of historical narratives, superseding the chronicles of monks and biographies of priests.

• Another significant development in historiography during the Renaissance was the growing importance of archaeological evidence and relics. Thus, historians began to place greater emphasis on evidence such as inscriptions, coins, and ancient manuscripts in their narratives. Furthermore, efforts to collect and preserve ancient manuscripts intensified.
• With the emergence of humanism, critical thinking gained significance in history. Scientific enquiry and studies replaced stories and myths. The contributions of Machiavelli to Renaissance historiography are noteworthy.

Question 50.
How did the Renaissance change the way historical events were interpreted?
Answer:
During the Middle Ages, history was seen as divinely ordained, with supernatural forces guiding events. The Renaissance shilled this perspective towards human-centered explanations, focusing on real-world causes and human agency instead of religious interpretations.

Question 51.
Who introduced the classitication of history into three periods?
Answer:
Flavio Biondo and Leonardo Bruni

Question 52.
How did humanism influence historiography?
Answer:
It promoted critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and fact-based historical writing.

Question 53.
The Renaissance laid the foundation for the …………………….
Answer:
evolution of modem science.

Question 54.
How did Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler expand on Copernicus’s discoveries?
Answer:
Galileo supported Copernicus heliocentric theory with telescope observations, including Jupiter’s moons and Venus phases. Kepler further proved it by discovering that planets move in elliptical orbits.

Question 55.
Who formulated the theory of gravitation?
Answer:
Isaac Newton

Question 56.
What was the geocentric model, and how did Copernicus challenge it?
Answer:
The geocentric model, proposed by Ptolemy, placed the Earth at the center of the universe. Copernicus challenged this by arguing that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. He demonstrated that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.

Question 57.
How did Galileo Galilei support Copernicus heliocentric theory?
Answer:
Galileo provided conclusive evidence in support of Copernicus’ theory by using a telescope to observe celestial bodies.

Question 58.
How did the Renaissance influence religion in Europe?
Answer:
The Renaissance encouraged critical thinking and humanism, which led scholars to question religious practices and church authority, eventually contributing to the Protestant Reformation.

Question 59.
Why did some rulers support the Reformation?
Answer:
Many secular rulers wanted to reduce the power of the clergy and church courts, especially in taxation and appointments, and saw the Reformation as an opportunity to gain more control.

Question 60.
Who were some key leaders of the Reformation besides Martin Luther?
Answer:
Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin in Switzerland and King Henry VIII in England played significant roles in the spread of the Reformation.

Question 61.
What was the Society of Jesus, and who founded it?
Answer:
The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was a religious order founded by Ignatius Loyola

Question 62.
Write a note on the Counter-Reformation.
Answer:

• Following the Reformation, the Catholic Church initiated efforts to reform itself. This movement is known as the Counter-Reformation.
• Counter-Reformation is also known as Catholic Reformation.

As part of this initiative, the Church leadership convened the Council (Synod) of Trent in Northern Italy. The objectives of this council were to correct erroneous tendencies within the Church and to implement reforms. As a result, the sale of indulgences was banned. A list of books (The Index) that the believers should not read was published. The court of inquisition, which was there in Medieval times, was reinstituted.

The Society of Jesus, set up by Ignatius Loyola, a Spanish priest, also played a prominent part in Counter Reformation. Its members were bound to observe strict discipline and unquestioned obedience. They tried to establish the authority of the Catholic Church by setting up schools and engaging in active missionary work. Counter Reformation succeeded in eliminating a number of wrong tendencies in the Catholic Church. Counter-Reformation is also known as Catholic Reformation.