List four causes that led to the renaissance

1. Decline of Feudalism

2. Impact of the Crusades

3. Decline in Church influence

4. Wealth and Prosperity

Explanation:

1. Decline of Feudalism was caused by the increase in middle class traders and businessmen. They provided the kings money to maintain armies therefore reducing their dependence on the feudal lords. Due to increase trade and commerce development, craftsmen and merchants benefited from this. Feudal Lords were unable to pay debts and had to sell of their lands. This was a setback for feudalism and the start of the Renaissance.

2. The wars between Muslims and Christians provided impetus to the Renaissance with Muslims winning the war. Western scholars came into contact with the east which was more civilised.

3. The church was a dominant figure in the medieval period but were challenged by powerful monarchs. In 1296 A.D. King Philip IV of France got the Pope arrested and this was a blow to the prestige power of the Pope.  

4. Trade and commerce increased during 12th and 13th century between eastern and western countries.