The Renaissance Major Theme: After the Later Middle Ages, Europe experienced a “rebirth” of commerce, interest in classical cultures, and confidence in human potential.

The Renaissance Marked the beginning of modern European History Marked the beginning of modern European History Time Line: Time Line: 1. Began in Italy, early 1300s 2. Spread to Northern Europe, c Lasted in England from 16th-17th centuries

The Renaissance Characteristics: Characteristics: 1. Distinctly different from Middle Ages (19 th c. Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt) 2. Benefits applied almost exclusively to upper class – little impact on peasants and working class

Italian City-States Five major players: 1. Florence 2. Milan 3. Rome 4. Venice 5. Naples

Rise of the City-States Northern Italian city-states led the way – Genoa, Venice, Milan Northern Italian city-states led the way – Genoa, Venice, Milan –Oligarchies and signori in control by 1300 in most of Italy –Trade and banking –Urbanization of Italy Politics of the City-States Politics of the City-States –Competition, not unity  “Balance of power”  Disunity led to disaster  Diplomatic legacy of the city-states –Condottieri – mercenary generals with private armies hired by city-states

Republic of Florence Center of the Renaissance in 14 th - 15 th Center of the Renaissance in 14 th - 15 th Dominated by Medici family Dominated by Medici family Cosimo de Medici ( ) – ruler of Florence Lorenzo de Medici ( ) – “The Magnificent”, patron of arts

Duchy of Milan  Ruled by Sforza family after 1450  Main adversary of Venice and Florence Ludovico Sforza (“il Moro”) – ( ) – most famous ruler, patron of da Vinci

Rome, the Papal States Popes served as religious and political leaders Popes served as religious and political leaders Controlled much of central Italy Controlled much of central Italy Powerful Italian families competed for the Papal office Powerful Italian families competed for the Papal office Alexander VI – ( ) – Borgia family, corrupt & controversial Julius II – ( ) – “the Warrior Pope”, great patron of the arts

Republic of Venice Longest-lasting of the city- states – until early 1800s Longest-lasting of the city- states – until early 1800s International trading power with strong navy International trading power with strong navy

Kingdom of Naples Only city-state with “King” Only city-state with “King” Controlled by French – Controlled by French – Ruled by Ruled by Spanish Spanish after 1435 Second- Second- largest city in Europe in 1500s

Decline of the City-States 1494 – French invasions began – support Milan vs. Florence and Naples 1494 – French invasions began – support Milan vs. Florence and Naples – Hapsburg-Valois Wars for control of Italy – Hapsburg-Valois Wars for control of Italy Italy now center of ‘power struggle’ between Spain & the Holy Roman Empire (Hapsburgs) and France (Valois) Italy now center of ‘power struggle’ between Spain & the Holy Roman Empire (Hapsburgs) and France (Valois)

Decline of the City-States 1494 – Medicis ousted in Florence 1494 – Medicis ousted in Florence – Girolamo Savonarola – Catholic priest – ruled Florence as – Girolamo Savonarola – Catholic priest – ruled Florence as a theocracy 1497 – “Bonfire of the Vanities” 1497 – “Bonfire of the Vanities” Savonarola excommunicated and burned at stake, Medicis eventually returned to power Savonarola excommunicated and burned at stake, Medicis eventually returned to power

End of the Italian Renaissance 1527 – Sack of Rome by soldiers of Charles V of HRE 1527 – Sack of Rome by soldiers of Charles V of HRE Pope Clement VII imprisoned by Charles V Pope Clement VII imprisoned by Charles V Destruction of Rome signaled end of Italian Renaissance Destruction of Rome signaled end of Italian Renaissance