Revolution
Renaissance is French for rebirth. The Renaissance is generally regarded as a cultural movement. I would propose that this time period is actually a revolution. Revolution means a radical and pervasive change in society. The Renaissance, more than just a rebirth, is an intellectual and artistic revolution over the dark ages. This is where man started to really express himself. From perspective in painting to advancements in science. It was a time where great thinkers were able to fully involve themselves in either scholarly or artistic movements to the betterment of society.
One of the main reasons for this revolution was the ability to incorporate the ideas of older civilizations, such as the Greek and Arabic, and adapt them into a more modern age. It has also be hypothesized that the unique governmental structure in Italy was conducive to the Renaissance. With a set of city states and relative political freedom, academic and artistic innovations were possible.