The cumulative effect of the Black Death proved that the Church was not powerful enough to help the people overcome crisis or improve lives, and highlighted the limitations of medieval knowledge in handling problems. ... These changes constituted two of the characteristics that would eventually shape the Renaissance – humanism, the celebration of mankind's achievement and ability; and the spirit of inquiry and discovery and critical thinking. ... Another example, was the discovery of the mariner's compass by Gioja of Naples in 1302 which is said to have originated from China....

• Word Count: 738
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Graduate

As the globe encountered the revolutionary effects of the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, the church no longer held the ability to restrict the mind as countless scientific discoveries bewildered society and forced them to overlook the teachings of the church. ... Knowledge became a competitive aspect of the world in which everyone yearned to be a part of. ... Throughout the Enlightenment, this uncontrollable desire to obtain knowledge spread throughout the talented, rich women of France. ...

• Word Count: 1600
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Graduate