The Renaissance in Italy and the Rise of the City-States

The Italian City-States Location – Historical crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea. Trade Merchants Banking Wealth Papal domination of the Middle Ages meant no national outlook.

City-State Social Divisions – Florentine Example Grandi – Old Rich, nobles or merchants traditionally rule the city (Pazzi and the Medici) Popolo Grosso – New Rich, bankers and capitalists, challenge the new rich for power. Middle-Burgher Ranks – guild masters, artisans, and professionals. Popolo Minuto – lower economic classes Ciompi Revolt - 1378 Arte della Lana

The Medici Banking Franchise 1434 – Cosimo de’ Medici – controlled the Office or Public Debt Through manipulation of elections he will also control the Signoria His grandson Lorenzo will rule Florence as a totalitarian until 1492 Cosimo de’ Medici (The Great)

Three Wise Men By Benozzo Gozzoli   

Lorenzo de' Medici (The Magnificent)

Despotism Hired or installed strongmen or families Purpose was to maintain law and order, but most importantly to keep business operating They operated through mercenary armies known as condottieri Ludovico Sforza Francesco I Sforza

Effects of the City-State System 1 – Diplomacy thrived in the city-state environment. The first embassies of Europe were created. 2 – The city-state system of Italy also created an environment for a flourishing of the arts. Why? Competition Money!!!! Rome Florence Venice Milan