Ch 05 - Revolutions of the Renaissance and Reformation Flashcards
What were the major powers in Europe after the breakup of Charlemagne’s empire?
The major powers were the king of France, the German Holy Roman Emperor, and the pope, who established a growing territory in Italy.
What caused revolutions in Renaissance Italy?
The growth of new commercial groups and their struggles with the older landed aristocracy over issues of religion and politics caused numerous revolutions.
When and why was the Republic of Florence founded?
It was founded in 1115 when the city rebelled against the Margrave of Tuscany.
Where did free city-states arise in Europe during this period?
Free city-states arose in Northern Italy, as well as southern and central Germany and the Low Countries.
What were the two major political factions in Florence?
The Ghibellines, representing the landed aristocracy, and the Guelphs, representing rich merchants and leaders of the major guilds.
What occurred in 1260 after a defeat by the neighboring city of Sienna?
The Guelphs’ rule was overturned, and the Ghibellines returned to power.
What happened in 1250 in Florence?
The Guelphs drove the Ghibellines from power and forced the aristocrats to cut down their towers.
What was the Ciompi Revolt?
It was an uprising of the lower working classes led by wool workers (the ciompi) in 1378, overthrowing the Guelphs.
What did the ciompi do during their rule?
They stormed prisons and state buildings and declared a government by the people.
Name two significant political revolutions led by Calvinists.
The Dutch Revolt against Spain in the 1560s and the English Revolution in the 1640s.
Why was Ghibelline rule short-lived in Florence?
Ghibelline excesses stirred up popular uprisings, and papal intervention helped to restore the Guelphs.
How long did the ciompi rule last?
It lasted almost three years before being deposed by a party led by Salvestro de’ Medici.
Who was Martin Luther and what did he challenge?
Martin Luther was a monk and professor of theology in Germany who challenged the corruption and earthly power of the pope, leading to the Reformation.
How did the Medici family gain power in Florence?
They rose to wealth as bankers to the popes and became powerful patrons of Renaissance art.
Where does the modern word ‘revolutions’ come from?
It comes from this period in Italy, when Italians referred to the frequent rotations of power as a “revolutio,” from the Latin “revolvere” (to cycle or revolve).
What happened to Piero de’ Medici during King Charles VIII’s invasion of Italy?
Piero de’ Medici capitulated to Charles’s demands, leading to his overthrow.
Who was Girolamo Savonarola?
He was a Dominican friar and religious fundamentalist who ruled Florence as a Christian commonwealth from 1494 to 1498.
What reforms did Savonarola implement?
He denounced clerical corruption, opposed exploitation of the poor, and ordered a “bonfire of the vanities” to destroy ostentatious items.
What led to Savonarola’s downfall?
His claims of prophecy and conflict with the pope led to his excommunication, trial for heresy, and execution in 1498.
What happened after Savonarola’s death?
The Medicis returned to power, though they were briefly expelled by another popular revolt in 1527-30.
