Questions Flashcards
- Why did the Italian City-States become powerful?
–> The Italian City-States’ prime location along Mediterranean trade routes made them critical hubs for commerce.
–>Their wealth stemmed from trade of high-value goods like silk, spices, and textiles.
–>Banking innovations, especially in Florence, provided stability and influence, while independent governance and cultural achievements attracted intellectuals and artisans.
This cemented their power in European politics + economy.
- How did increased trade lead to city-states’ power?
-Italy’s coastal position in the Mediterranean made it a connector between the Western and Eastern worlds.
-It had many strategic sea routes that linked Europe to the East including key trade networks extending to the Silk Road and the Middle East.
-Trade increased wealth in Italian city-states like Florence Venice and Genoa.
-Florence leveraged its dominance in banking and finance to become a cultural and economic hub.
-Venice thrived on maritime trade and shipbuilding with thousands of trading vessels spanning the Mediterranean.
-Genoa built wealth through its wool industry and shipbuilding expertise, backed by a strong naval power.
This economic success fueled the sponsorship of art and architecture, which equaled to attracting merchants, intellectuals, and explorers, which helped these cities flourish both culturally and politically.
Wealth also elevated their global influence making them centers of power and innovation during the Renaissance.
- Describe Florence, Genoa, and Venice:
-Florence: Controlled by the Medici family Florence excelled in banking and Renaissance art. Its cultural achievements such as works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo made it a hub of knowledge and creativity. Its military while its simple maintained internal stability.
-Genoa: Genoa thrived on its wool trade and strong navy. Wealth from trade funded architecture and art while explorers like Columbus expanded its influence. Rival noble families competed for power creating a unique governance system that adapted to commerce needs.
-Venice: A maritime powerhouse Venice controlled trade routes to the East with its vast merchant fleet and advanced shipbuilding. It led Europe in book production and artistry emphasizing deep rich colors and patterns in painting. Diplomatically Venice negotiated trade deals with the Ottomans ensuring its economic dominance.
- How do shifts in ideas affect worldviews?
Knowledge:
Renaissance Humanism prioritized education and scientific discovery over tradition.
Example: Galileo’s heliocentric theory expanded astronomy and challenged Church doctrine.
Beliefs:
Humanism reduced strict reliance on divine authority, emphasizing human potential and individuality.
Example: Martin Luther’s Reformation questioned Catholic beliefs and reshaped Christianity.
Values:
The Renaissance celebrated creativity, self-expression, and individual achievements.
Example: Michelangelo’s David showcased the beauty and value of human form and capability.
Economy:
Shifts in trade and finance encouraged commercial capitalism, replacing feudal systems.
Example: Banking innovations in Florence made families like the Medici powerful influencers.
Time:
A forward-looking perspective saw history as linear progress driven by human effort.
Example: The Renaissance prioritized innovation, exploration, and cultural achievement.
Society:
Education and new ideas empowered merchants and intellectuals, reducing feudal hierarchies.
Example: Urban centers like Florence and Venice became hubs for diverse social and cultural exchanges.
Geography:
Exploration redefined geography and expanded worldviews.
Example: Columbus’s voyages opened new trade routes, fostering globalization and cultural interaction.
Technology:
Innovations like the printing press democratized knowledge and spread new ideas.
Example: Mass production of books enabled widespread access to Humanist and reformist thought.
- How did geography affect trade and competition?
Europe’s dense geography, with interconnected rivers, seas, and mountain passes, made it an ideal region for trade and intense competition.
Coastal cities like Venice and Genoa thrived due to access to maritime routes, which enabled them to dominate Mediterranean trade.
Inland cities like Florence capitalized on land trade routes which became key stops for goods traveling between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Geography also spurred innovation, such as advancements in shipbuilding, cartography, and navigation techniques, as cities and nations competed to control routes and expand their influence.
Natural harbors allowed cities like Genoa to grow into global trading hubs, dominating access to the Atlantic and Mediterranean worlds.
How did the eight worldview elements change from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance?
Knowledge: Education expanded to include science, history, and humanism alongside religion.
Beliefs: Religion remained important, but secular and humanist ideas gained prominence, reducing the Church’s dominance.
Values: Focused on human creativity, individuality, and achievements, visible in art, architecture, and literature.
Economy: Feudal systems declined as trade, banking, and commercial capitalism grew.
Time: People saw history as progress, driven by human achievements rather than solely divine plans.
Society: Urban centers fostered cultural exchange, and the merchant class gained influence, breaking strict feudal hierarchies.
Geography: Explorations expanded Europe’s influence globally, creating new trade networks.
Technology: The printing press, better navigation tools, and advancements in shipbuilding revolutionized communication, exploration, and commerce.
