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 RenaissanceEurope 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

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 StatesWhat 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

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

MilanLocation is Key:

◦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

VeniceRich from trading in eastern

Mediterranean and northern Europe

Ran by merchant-aristocrats

Wealth gave the city international power

FlorenceLed 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 RenaissanceThree classes (or ‘estates’)

◦Clergy (those who prayed)◦Nobles (those who fought)◦Peasants/Townspeople (those who

worked)

NobilityOnly 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 TownspeopleMade up 85-90% of the population

◦ Serfdom and manorialism in declineTownspeople 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 StructuresParents carefully arranged marriages

to strengthen family and business ties◦ Dowry: sum of $ paid by wife’s family to

husbandPatriarchal 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