Before the Renaissance, individuals had limited rights and were largely subject to the authority of the Church and the local ruling class. After the Renaissance, however, there was an increased emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, as well as a shift towards secularism. This gradually led to the recognition of certain rights for individuals, such as the right to freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and the right to due process. Additionally, many countries began to recognize the rights of religious minorities.