The Renaissance and Reformation mark the beginning of Europe's golden age. Many economic, religious, and cultural changes occurred during this time period. The economic and cultural rise of the Italian city-states, the recentralization of government in northern Europe, and the separation of the Roman Catholic Church into different Catholic and Protestant groups were major achievements for Europe in this period. The Renaissance and Reformation were not only the beginning of the modern Western world, but also laid the foundation for Europe's rise in global colonization, which ushered in the birth of our glorious nation. The Renaissance, or rebirth, was a new beginning for Europe. After the ravages of the bubonic plague on the continent, which wiped out over half of Europe's population, Europe entered an era of economic, cultural, and political success that brought new wealth and enlightenment to its devastated population. The revival was brought about by the trade opportunities found in Asia during the Crusades. Shipbuilders and traders in Italy profited from this trade, as Italy was on the central trade route between the rest of Europe and the European crusader states of the Principality of Antioch, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the County of Tripoli during the 12th and 13th centuries. . Even after Saladin, an Islamic leader from Egypt, defeated the Crusaders, Italian merchants still maintained their trade connections in Asia Minor and Egypt. After the bubonic plague, trade became profitable again. By the end of the 14th century, Italian city-states had amassed a great treasure through taxes and tariffs. People began to swarm into cities to work as laborers and artisans, creating urban societies. The merchants of the... middle of paper......Catholic Church, which would cause many wars, and much immigration and resentment throughout Europe for the next four centuries. The Renaissance and the Reformation were the beginning of the golden age of Europe. Many changes occurred, both political and economic. The Renaissance and the Reformation brought about the changes necessary for the development of the modern Western world. Furthermore, these two events brought new light and hope to a continent full of wars, plagues, and death. We may not think about these things today, but the Renaissance and the Reformation created the conditions to allow us to exist as we live in the present. From the first crusader knight who entered the Holy Land, to the Peace of Augsburg, the Renaissance and the Reformation will be remembered as the two most important events in history, now and for many years to come..