Why Italy? Quicker plague recovery City-state structure Wealthy banking and commercial structure Abundant patronage from Vatican and wealthy of Florence

Important connections Crusades and Plague Relaxation of restrictions by church Expanded wealth of mercantile and banking community Artistic expression Scientific and mathematical inquiry Exploration and beginnings of European dominance

Historical context European Renaissance Ming in China beginning vast explorations and economic resurgence of China in the wake of the Mongols. India is under the dominion of the Mughal Empire States in the Americas are developing under the Inca and the Aztec Islamic civilization was flourishing under the Safavids and Ottomans African states under the Songhay and Benin were emerging as powerful empires in Africa

The Decline of Italy Of the Italian city states, there were 5 that were dominant Dramatically impacted by the fall of Constantinople by the Ottomans Fall of Constantinople wrecked Italian Trade Brief outbreak of plague in the 1500’s The Wars Of Italy: : Naples and Papal States versus Milan Italian Wars opened door for invasion from France

Political States of Europe: France Ravaged by 100 years War Restoration of Monarchy: under Charles VII Promotion of a powerful military War upon Aristocratic intrigue under Louis XI: The Spider King

Political States of Europe: England Suffered catastrophic losses from Black Death Saw a devastating civil war: The War of the Roses ( ) These disasters impacted trade, agriculture, and industry Lancarasterists won the W.O.R and were able to crush power of nobles and restore order. Evolution of parliament as a viable political institution Henry VIII inherited a peaceful nation in 1509

The War of the Roses

Spain Style Spain remained independent kingdoms. A contrast to England and France Ferdinand and Isabella Finished “reconquista” Seized control of the Al- Andalus Empire Exploration By 1600 Spain had the largest Empire in the World. North American holdings. Gold! Inquisition Ferdinand and Isabella worked with Pope to establish an inquisition to make sure Spain was Christian. Anti-Semitism

The Habsburgs Habsburgs took advantage of the hereditary nature of European political rule. Cleverly intermarried into control of several European areas, within the Holy Roman Empire Reached a high point under Philip II Habsburg Family