The Italian Renaissance

Quick Vocab Review Renaissance: means “rebirth” Bringing back the classical world of the Greeks and Romans

Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance Italy is made up of city-states These city-states were the center of the Italian political, economic, and social worlds These city-states are secular Many Italians began to enjoy day-to-day activities and the benefits of strong trade and industry

Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance Europe is recovering from disasters of the 14th century Who can think of some of them? Recovery and rebirth go hand in hand Italian thinkers going back to their Roman past Once again interested in the culture that dominated the ancient Mediterranean world Started seeing humans in new ways Affected politics and art Disasters: Black death, political disorder (War of the Roses, Hundred Years’ War), economic recession, famine

Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance New Emphasis on the individual and their abilities New social ideal: well-rounded personality, or universal person The “Renaissance Man” – able to achieve things in many different areas of life I’m DaVinci… I am the ULTIMATE Renaissance Man. I was skilled as a painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, and mathematician… WINNING!

The Italian States What is a city-state? Independent governments that are not unified or part of a single entity During the Renaissance, Italy did not form a centralized government Independent governments that are not unified or part of a single entity -lack of a single strong uler made it possible for a number of city-states in northern and central Italy to remain independent

Who were the powerhouses? Milan: Duomo Square Venice Florence

Why was it that the Italian cities prospered? Benefited from trade on the Mediterranean as well as northern Europe Profited from the crusades—set up new trading centers in eastern ports

Milan Location is Key: Ruled by Visconti and Sforza families On the crossroads of trade routes from Italian coastal cities to the Alpine Ruled by Visconti and Sforza families Created a strong central government Efficient tax system brought great revenues

Venice Rich from trading in eastern Mediterranean and northern Europe Ran by merchant-aristocrats Wealth gave the city international power

Florence Led several successful military campaigns to gain land and influence Controlled by the Medici family They used power and wealth to control the city through appointing favorites and supporters

The Problem with being a “little guy” France and Spain made Italy their battle ground The Italian city-states weren’t powerful enough to protect themselves from the French so they appealed to the Spanish for help Spanish leaders couldn’t pay their troops so they said the soldiers could sack Rome Sack of Rome 1527—end of Renaissance Women raped, church officials sold as slaves, churches and palaces robbed

Machiavelli Diplomat in Florence, forced to exile Wrote “The Prince” His views had a profound influence on later political leaders

Social Classes of the Renaissance Three classes (or ‘estates’) Clergy (those who prayed) Nobles (those who fought) Peasants/Townspeople (those who worked)

Nobility Only 2-3% of the population Held important political posts and advised the king The Book of Courtier— Castiglione (1528) Nobles are born, not made; should have character, grace, and talent Perfect noble must take part in military and have a classical education Standards of conduct Goal is to serve prince effectively and honestly

Peasants and Townspeople Made up 85-90% of the population Serfdom and manorialism in decline Townspeople 12% population Artisans and merchants (middle-class) Patricians were at the top of society, ruling society, politics, and the economics of their city-state Burghers—shopkeepers, artisans, guild members The destitute—poor and unemployed Poverty in the cities was on the rise

Family Structures Parents carefully arranged marriages to strengthen family and business ties Dowry: sum of $ paid by wife’s family to husband Patriarchal society This means that ____________ are in charge… Father-husband managed all finances, made decisions regarding children Children did not become adults until they were legally freed by father in court Mother supervised the household Section Reivew: Explain the three major characteristics of the Renaissance. It’s urban nature, an interest in the classical cultures of Rome and Greece, and an emphasis on individual self-worth and value What led to the development of the Italian city-states? Italy lacked a centralized, monarchic government Describe the three estates of society during the Middle Ages. The clergy; the nobility, who posessed land and riches but were only 2-3% of the population; peasants and townspeople 85-90% OF POPULATION