The Renaissance had a major influence on the development of modern American society, especially in relation to culture and artistic expression. Renaissance influence in America brought a new vision to humanism resulting in a departure from the dominant ideals presented by the church. Although religion still had the greatest influence throughout the Renaissance period, the growing recognition of human potential and scientific inquiry shaped the course of Western history and even today influences contemporary American culture. The principles of realism, particularly as they appeared in terms of art and literature, have remained vital in all aspects of American society, and figures such as Boccaccio, da Vinci, Machiavelli, and others live and influence the way we view our world today.
