The Renaissance 1350 1600 Major Theme After the

The Renaissance 1350 - 1600 Major Theme: After the Later Middle Ages, Europe experienced a “rebirth” of commerce, interest in classical cultures, and confidence in human potential.

The Renaissance n Marked the beginning of modern European History n Time Line: 1. Began in Italy, early 1300 s 2. Spread to Northern Europe, c. 1450 3. Lasted in England from 16 th-17 th centuries

The Renaissance n Characteristics: 1. Distinctly different from Middle Ages (19 th c. Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt) 2. Benefits applied almost exclusively to upper class – little impact on peasants and working class

Italian City-States Five major players: 1. Florence 2. Milan 3. Rome 4. Venice 5. Naples

Rise of the City-States n Northern Italian city-states led the way – Genoa, Venice, Milan – – – n Oligarchies and signori in control by 1300 in most of Italy Trade and banking Urbanization of Italy Politics of the City-States – Competition, not unity § § § – “Balance of power” Disunity led to disaster Diplomatic legacy of the city-states Condottieri – mercenary generals with private armies hired by city-states

Republic of Florence Center of the Renaissance in 14 th 15 th n Dominated by Medici family n Cosimo de Medici (1389 -1464) – ruler of Florence Lorenzo de Medici (14491492) – “The Magnificent”, patron of arts

Duchy of Milan § Ruled by Sforza family after 1450 § Main adversary of Venice and Florence Ludovico Sforza (“il Moro”) – (1452 -1508) – most famous ruler, patron of da Vinci

Rome, the Papal States n Popes served as religious and political leaders n Controlled much of central Italy n Powerful Italian families competed for the Papal office Alexander VI – (1492 -1503) – Borgia family, corrupt & controversial Julius II – (1503 -1513) – “the Warrior Pope”, great patron of the arts

Republic of Venice n Longest-lasting of the citystates – until early 1800 s n International trading power with strong navy

Kingdom of Naples n Only city-state with “King” n Controlled by French – 1266 -1435 n Ruled by Spanish after 1435 n Secondlargest city in Europe in 1500 s

Decline of the City-States n 1494 – French invasions began – support Milan vs. Florence and Naples n 1494 -1559 – Hapsburg-Valois Wars for control of Italy now center of ‘power struggle’ between Spain & the Holy Roman Empire (Hapsburgs) and France (Valois)

Decline of the City-States n n 1494 – Medicis ousted in Florence 1494 -1498 – Girolamo Savonarola – Catholic priest – ruled Florence as a theocracy 1497 – “Bonfire of the Vanities” Savonarola excommunicated and burned at stake, Medicis eventually returned to power

End of the Italian Renaissance n 1527 – Sack of Rome by soldiers of Charles V of HRE n Pope Clement VII imprisoned by Charles V n Destruction of Rome signaled end of Italian Renaissance