Which of the following was NOT an achievement of the Renaissance?

The choice that is recognized as not an achievement of the Renaissance is the discovery of the Americas. While the Renaissance, which spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, was a period marked by significant cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival in Europe, the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 is more accurately described as a major event of the Age of Exploration, which occurred concurrently but is distinct from the Renaissance itself.

The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in the art and learning of classical Greece and Rome, which directly contributed to its achievements in literature, philosophy, and art. This revival of classical ideals played a significant role in shaping European culture during the period. Additionally, the invention of the printing press around 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the way information was disseminated, making literature more accessible and fostering an environment for scholarly communication and dialogue.

In contrast, the discovery of the Americas, while significant and transformative, is not inherently tied to the artistic and intellectual accomplishments of the Renaissance movement. Instead, it marked the beginning of European colonialism and its consequent effects on global trade, culture, and demographics, but it did not arise from the Renaissance's focus on classical learning and cultural revival.