Italian Government During the Renaissance

The Invention of Diplomacy

The 14^th century saw remarkable changes in many aspects of Italian society and of society in southern Europe. These social changes emerged from southern Europe in the 14^th century and began influencing northern Europe in the 15^th century. These cultural changes are known collectively today as the “Renaissance”. 

Italian Renaissance Government

The first hints of the artistic, creative, and literary manifestations of the Renaissance began in Italy, thus making it important region in discussing of the origins and history of the Renaissance. The government during the Renaissance was split amongst the various empirical city-states of the Italian peninsula. During the fifteenth century five powers dominated Italy, Venice, Milan, Florence, the Papal States, and the kingdom of Naples. The major Italian city-states controlled the smaller ones and competed amongst themselves ferociously for territory and power. This includes diplomacy, spies, paid informers, and any other available means to get information.

            Whenever one Italian city-state began to emerge as a predominant power the other city-states would ally to establish a balance of power against the major threat. The reason the government and relations of the Italian Renaissance is important is because these alliances begun the formation of modern diplomacy. Permanent embassies with ambassadors of separate areas were established in major city-states to monitor political relations and commercial ties. This residential ambassador and invention of diplomacy is looked upon and one of the greatest achievements of the Italian Renaissance.