Introduction to The Renaissance Text Chapter 12 (pages 375-381)

The Italian Renaissance Renaissance means rebirth Many Italians between 1350 and 1550 believed they had witnessed a rebirth of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds Historians later called this the Renaissance or Italian Renaissance- a period of European history that began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe

Characteristics of the Renaissance Urban society An age of recovery from the disasters of the 14th century (plague, political instability, and a decline of church power) Emphasis on Individual ability The well rounded, universal person was capable of achievements in many areas of life. For example, painting, sculpting, architecture, mathematics, inventor, etc…

The Italian States Italy was unable to develop a monarchy during the Middle Ages. Three city states remained independent and played a critical role in Italian politics Milan Venice Florence

Milan Located in Northern Italy One of the richest city states in Italy In the 14th century, members of the Visconti family established themselves as the dukes of Milan. Sforza the new duke in 1447 was the leader of a band of mercenaries – soldiers who sold their services to the highest bidder

Venice A link between Asia and Western Europe Drew traders from all over the world A republic with an elected leader called a doge Venice’s trade empire was tremendously profitable and made Venice an international power.

Florence Dominated the region of Tuscany Small but wealthy group of merchants established control of the government The Medici family controlled the politics of the city. Florence was a cultural center of Italy

MACHIAVELLI

Machiavelli and the New Statecraft Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince It is one of the most influential works on political power in the Western world. Central thesis is how to acquire and keep political power. According to Machiavelli, political activity should not be limited by moral principles A prince must act on behalf of the state, even if that meant abandoning his conscience Among the first to abandon morality as the basis for politics

Renaissance Society Only 2-3% of the population Born not made The Nobility Peasants & Townspeople Only 2-3% of the population Born not made Classical education & enrich his life with the arts Live gracefully- certain standards of conduct Peasants made up 85 – 90% of the population By 1500, more and more peasants became legally free Townspeople made up the rest of the third estate Mostly merchants & artisans

Urban Renaissance Society Patricians- wealthy from trade, industry, and banking Burghers- the shopkeepers, artisans, and guild masters and guild members Workers- earned pitiful wages and made up 30-40 % of the urban population Late 1300’s and early 1400’s poverty increased dramatically.

Family and Marriage Family bond was a source of great security To maintain the family, parents carefully arranged marriages, often to strengthen business or family ties Details worked out way in advance, sometimes when children were only 2 or 3 years old Father- center of the Italian family; Mother- supervised household- no share in father’s wealth Father’s authority absolute until his death or he formally freed his children in court. Age of adulthood ranged from early teens to late twenties.