What distinguishes renaissance music from medieval music, and how, in the broadest terms, do musical innovations of the time fit together with cultural upheavals at large?

The difference between Renaissance music from Medieval musical is huge.

Explanation:

First they were from different eras, second medieval music was based on religion, whereas Renaissance music was not religious at all.  Third, the music of renaissance  was polyphonic, which means that  it had sacred vocals such as Gregorian chants, while the medieval music was mostly monophonic, which means that it had a single melodic line.

They did not fit with cultural upheavals at large. In fact the two types of music were aligned with the values and behaviors of each era. The medieval songs portrayed the power of Church domination and the Renaissance  music was related to the power of the monarchy.