The word “renaissance” means rebirth and refers to a lengthy period following the Middle Ages where a great revival in classical learning and social values occurred. This new age began in the 14th century in Italy and soon encompassed all of European Civilization: it lasted till the first half part of 15^th century. 

Women were taught inferior to men: they were also considered instruments of the devil. Women of this period were supposed to get married, to give birth boys and to be loyal with her husbands. Renaissance men denied them all political rights: women were considered subjects of men. Women were controlled by their parents during childhood and destined to their future husbands: obviously they couldn’t choose their man (very few women of noble birth chose their partners). Royal marriages had political, military or trade advantages. Wives were always under their men’s control: they had to perform the duties of housewife. Also women of high class helped their servants in household. Merchants ‘ wives often helped their husbands in trades and business. Peasant women had also to work in the field with their men. Unmarried women hadn’t got independence of thought and action: they also had to live in the households of their male relatives or joined a convent, the only career accessible to them (they became nuns, prioresses,etc). Women were sometimes beaten when they wanted more independence.