Political Power of the Merchant Class Renaissance (Part 2)

The video explores the transformation of Italy from the 1300s onwards, highlighting the rise of the merchant class, economic changes, and the impact of disasters like the Black Death on the Renaissance. It discusses the conflicts between city states, particularly Florence and Milan, and the ideological influence of Florence. The Medici family's role in banking, politics, and the arts is examined, along with the expansion of trade and changes in government. The video concludes with a look at the Renaissance's growth from these historical contexts.

What was a significant factor in the rise of the merchant class in northern Italy?

• The decline of the Roman Empire

• The development of urban areas

• The fall of the Papal States

• The influence of the French monarchy

How did the Black Death contribute to the Renaissance?

• It increased the power of the nobility

• It led to a shortage of labor, increasing wages

• It strengthened the feudal system

• It caused the collapse of the merchant class

Which city-states were prominent in the internal conflicts of Italy?

• Turin and Bologna

• Sicily and Sardinia

• Venice and Florence

• Rome and Naples

What was the main cause of the rivalry between Florence and Milan?

• Religious differences

• Economic competition

• Cultural disagreements

• Territorial expansion

Who was responsible for crafting the ideology that portrayed Florence as a defender of Republican ideals?

• Leonardo Bruni

• Giagliazo Visconti

• Dante Alighieri

• Cosimo de Medici

What was the primary business of the Medici family that helped them gain power?

• Shipbuilding

• Mining

• Agriculture

• Textile trade

How did the Medici family influence the arts during the Renaissance?

• By establishing art schools

• Through their patronage of artists and architects

• By creating art competitions

• By writing art critiques

What system did the Medici family help develop that was crucial for international trade?

• Barter system

• Double-entry bookkeeping

• Credit system

• Single-entry bookkeeping

What was the Medici family's approach to maintaining their power in Florence?

• Embracing the image of ordinary citizens

• Forming alliances with foreign powers

• Presenting themselves as monarchs

• Using military force

Which family was known for their central role in the Italian Renaissance through connections with other elite families?

• The Gonzaga family

• The Visconti family

• The Sforza family

• The Medici family