Question

Write 200 to 150 words on The Renaissance Republics: Florence and Venice. thanks

Answer 1

At the time of historical development of Europe, Venice and Florence were among the leading states which accelerated Renaissance and were considered to be progressive and well developed states of the epoch. The role in the Renaissance period was particularly significant since their influence in Northern Italy as well as in Europe at large was quite substantial, especially that of Venice. At the same time, both state, being characterized by great socio-economic progress, development of arts, were considered to be practically ideals which were perceived as perfect states other countries could follow. At first glance, Venice and Florence really seemed to be states where new socio-economic relations were developed based on the progress of trade and banking, their political systems were considered quite democratic and, unlike many other states of the epoch they were republics, presumably governed by local community, the development of art in these cities seemed to indicate at the cultural progress in the states, to the extent that contemporaries believed that spiritual richness of Venice and Florence resulted from material well being, social stability and harmony. However, in actuality, the situation in both states was quite different from the ideal and their prosperity was basically based on the exploitation of their geographical and natural potential and the social stability was basically supported by repressive regimes which were not really democratic, while ordinary citizens could hardly resist to those in power and kept working enriching elite classes of both states.

Common between Florence and Venice :-

*Venice and Florence in the Renaissance period, it should be pointed out that they played an important role in the region and even Europe at large. The main reason is obvious

*it is what made Venice and Florence so different from other European countries. Unlike feudal Europe that was divided in many small feudal states within bigger ones, Venice and Florence remained indivisible and officially they were republics while the vast majority of European states of 14th-15th centuries were still monarchies. This is probably why these states were so different from others and significantly similar to one another.

Difference between Florence and Venice :-

*The main difference of the level of impact of the Roman Catholic Church in both states is not the most important one, it was very symbolic since it revealed the ‘black side’ of both, presumably ideal states as they were perceived by many contemporaries. In this respect, it is worthy to note that the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in Venice was less significant but in Florence it affected the life of many citizens. On comparing the two states, it should be said that Venice was characterized by certain freedom from religious fanaticism and, in this respect, it may be viewed as quite a tolerant state. Moreover, in Venice there was not a single case of an execution for religious heresy during the Counter-Reformation. In stark contrast, such executions occurred in Florence.