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AP Euro Notes
Unit 1: Renaissance and Discovery
I. The Renaissance in Italy (1375-1527)
Renaissance-a time of transition from the medieval to the modern world
Jacob Burkhardt: the renaissance was the release of the “full, whole nature of man”
Started after the death of Pertrach, “the father of humanism” and ended with the sack of Rome from Spanish-imperial soldiers.
A. The Italian City-State
Growth of City-States: endemic warfare between emperor and pope of Italy weakened one another and strengthened merchant oligarchies of the cities. 5 major, competitive states in Italy: Milan, Florence, Venice, the Papal States (Rome), and
Naples.
Social Class and Conflict: Florence-four social groups: old rich/grandi, new rich merchant class-capitalists/ “fat people”, Middle class, populo minuto/ lower economic class.
Social divisions = conflict
Ex: Ciompi Revolt- In 1378 the poor established a chaotic four-year reign of power.
Causes: feud between old and new rich, social anarchy from Black Death, collapse of banking houses
Despotism and Diplomacy: Despots ruled the city states through the support of merchant oligarchies. podesta-a strongman hired by dominant groups in a city who was given all authority to allow the normal flow of business activity through mercenary armies obtained through military brokers known as condoterri.
Florence- Cosimo de’ Medici controlled city internally manipulating constitution and influencing elections. Government: Florence was governed by a council known as
Signoria chosen from the powerful guilds. Cosimo kept councilors loyal to him and as the head of the Office of Public Debt he had influence. His grandson, Lorenzo the magnificent ruled Florence in almost totalitarian fashion.
Milan-the Visconti family and Sforza family ruled without constitutional restraints or serious political competition as despots
Venice-ruled by successful merchant oligarchy with Senate of 300 members, a judicial body of
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259
AP Euro Notes
Unit 1: Renaissance and Discovery
I. The Renaissance in Italy (1375-1527)
Renaissance-a time of transition from the medieval to the modern world
Jacob Burkhardt: the renaissance was the release of the “full, whole nature of man”
Started after the death of Pertrach, “the father of humanism” and ended with the sack of Rome from Spanish-imperial soldiers.
A. The Italian City-State
Growth of City-States: endemic warfare between emperor and pope of Italy weakened one another and strengthened merchant oligarchies of the cities. 5 major, competitive states in Italy: Milan, Florence, Venice, the Papal States (Rome), and
Naples.
Social Class and Conflict: Florence-four social groups: old rich/grandi, new rich merchant class-capitalists/ “fat people”, Middle class, populo minuto/ lower economic class.
Social divisions = conflict
Ex: Ciompi Revolt- In 1378 the poor established a chaotic four-year reign of power.
Causes: feud between old and new rich, social anarchy from Black Death, collapse of banking houses
Despotism and Diplomacy: Despots ruled the city states through the support of merchant oligarchies. podesta-a strongman hired by dominant groups in a city who was given all authority to allow the normal flow of business activity through mercenary armies obtained through military brokers known as condoterri.
Florence- Cosimo de’ Medici controlled city internally manipulating constitution and influencing elections. Government: Florence was governed by a council known as
Signoria chosen from the powerful guilds. Cosimo kept councilors loyal to him and as the head of the Office of Public Debt he had influence. His grandson, Lorenzo the magnificent ruled Florence in almost totalitarian fashion.
Milan-the Visconti family and Sforza family ruled without constitutional restraints or serious political competition as despots
Venice-ruled by successful merchant oligarchy with Senate of 300 members, a judicial body of