12-1
1. Why was the term renaissance used to refer to the time between 1350 and 1550? People who lived in Italy believed they had witnessed a rebirth of the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds
2. What are the three most important characteristics of the Italian Renaissance? 1. Urban society 2. Secular outlook on life 3. Rebirth of interest in ancient culture
3. What three city states played crucial roles in Italian politics? Milan, Venice, Florence
4. How did the location of Milan help to make it rich and powerful? Located at the crossroads of the main trade routes from Italian coastal cities to the Alpine passes
5. What activities in Florence did the Domincan preacher Savonarola seek to regulate? Gambling, horseracing, swearing, painting, music, and books
6. Which tow European countries made Italy their battleground for 30 years? France and Spain
7. Why did the army of Charles I of Spain sack the city of Rome in 1527? The army hadn’t been paid and the commander of the army allowed them to loot the city
8. What has been the impact of Niccolo Machiavelli’s book The Prince? The Prince is one of the most influential works on political power in the western world
9. From Machiavelli’s point of view, what attitude should a prince have towards power? Political power should not be restricted by moral principles, for the sake of the state, he must let his conscience sleep
10. What did Castiglione say were the three characteristics of a perfect Renaissance noble? Must be born not made, had military skill and classical education, follow a standard of conduct
11. How did Italian families have their children declared adults? Their father went before a judge and formally freed him from their authority