Renaissance 1450- 1600 AD

Italian City States

Renaissance in Italy 1375-1527

City states were the political unit of the time

Depended on diplomacy to stay “loosely confederated”

Introduction of classical learning Creation of the university system Italy’s strategic Mediterranean

placement

Italy (continued)

Trade with “East” Fall of Constantinople in 1453 Vernacular use increases- replaces

Latin gradually Wealth increase in Italy Wealthy become patrons of the arts Exploration of New Worlds begin Foundations laid for mercantilism

Italy (continued)

Governments begin to centralize in all other countries EXCEPT for Italy and Germany

Humanism

Belief that man can create– he is no longer a passive participant in the world around him– He can influence and make a difference

City States

Republic Florence- merchant – ruled by the D’medicis

Duchy of Milan Republic of Genoa Kingdom of Naples Papal States Republic of Venice– the most liberal

City States

Rich in trade become the bankers of Europe– for now

Very competitive Most ruled by despots-Venice the

exception which is rich merchant oligarchy

Internal social class conflict- Florence best example 1) old rich 2) new rich 3) small businessman4) lower class Popolo minuto= little people 1/3 pop of Florence

VIPs

Cosimo de Medici- ends revolts by lower classes

Brings stability- good statesman Used council to rule- members

picked from guilds

VIPs

Lorenzo the Magnificent Ruled 1478-92 Assassination of brother by rival

family Pazzi made him more cautious

Used huge armies- Codotteri Conflict to diplomacy

Intro to The Prince by Machiavelli

Two changes in Renaissance 1. printing destroyed clergy

intellectual monopoly 2. gunpowder destroyed nobility

military monopoly

Renaissance

Rediscovery of man- man becomes center of universe

Italian city states are islands of “republicanism”in a sea of European monarchialcal loyalty

Florence– “THE” city state; home of DaVinci, Machiavelli, Lorenzo de medici

Machiavelli

diplomat in Florence Wrote first political science doc in

Europe Lost job when Medici’s take over

with Pope’s help Writes the Prince to get job back Dedicates Prince to Lorenzo de

Medici but uses Cesar Borgia as “model” for the Prince

Machiavelli continued

First political science work to NOT address “the end of the state” (like Aristotle and Plato)

The Prince says” Power is an end in itself!!!” and how to retain acquire and expand power. (or rename “POWER for DUMMIES!!!”)