Which of the following contributed to the start of the Renaissance?

A.
growing wealth in the cities

B.
increased study of religion

C.
the movement of townspeople to rural areas

D.
the growing wealth of manors outside cities

A. growing wealth in the cities

A Growing wealth in the Cities B increased study of religion C the movement of townspeople to rural areas D the growing wealth of manors outside cities

A. Growing wealth in the cities

The correct answer is A. growing wealth in the cities.

To determine the correct answer, we need to understand what the Renaissance was and what factors contributed to its start. The Renaissance was a period in European history known for its revitalization of intellectual and artistic pursuits, which occurred primarily from the 14th to the 17th century.

One significant factor that contributed to the start of the Renaissance was the growing wealth in the cities. During this time, trade and commerce flourished, leading to the accumulation of wealth in urban centers. Wealthy city-states, such as Florence and Venice in Italy, became patrons of the arts, sciences, and learning. They funded artists, scholars, and philosophers, providing the resources necessary for innovation and creative expression.

To determine the correct answer, we can eliminate the other options:

B. Increased study of religion: While religion played a significant role in European society during the Renaissance, it did not directly contribute to the start of the Renaissance. The focus on religion during this period was more related to the Reformation and the reactions to it, rather than the initial spark of the Renaissance itself.

C. The movement of townspeople to rural areas: The movement of townspeople to rural areas did not contribute to the start of the Renaissance. On the contrary, it was the urban centers where the Renaissance thrived, as discussed earlier.

D. The growing wealth of manors outside cities: While the growing wealth of manors outside cities may have had some influence on broader economic factors, it did not directly contribute to the start of the Renaissance. The Renaissance was primarily driven by the economic prosperity of the cities, as mentioned earlier.

Thus, the correct answer is A. growing wealth in the cities.