The major impact of the Renaissance on European history was the profound shift it brought about in art, culture, and intellectual life, leading to the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity. This period, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, saw a revival of classical knowledge, humanism, and individualism. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo pushed the boundaries of creativity, while thinkers like Erasmus and Machiavelli redefined political and ethical thought. The Renaissance fostered advancements in science, technology, and exploration, ultimately paving the way for the Reformation, the Age of Enlightenment, and significant socio-political changes across Europe.