The Renaissance The Renaissance, which started in Italy, provided great advancements in the quality of life to the Europeans during the 1300’s through the late 1500’s. Increased trade provided Europe with an abundance of weath,which allowed culture to flourish. People focused much of their time on art and literature during this era. Many religious changes took place during the Renaissance, partly due to the Reformation of the Catholic Church. People broke free from religious and social oppression, and Europe became “reborn”. During the Renaissance, or “rebirth”, of Europe wealth increased dramatically. The Crusades which preceded the Renais