Guided Reading Activity 5-1

World History

Mr. Heaps

Question #1:

Why was the term Renaissance used to refer to the time between 1350 and

1550?

Answer:

People who lived in Italy believed they had witnessed a rebirth of the

ancient Greek & Roman worlds.

Question #2:

What are the 3 most important characteristics of the Italian

Renaissance?

Answer:

1)It was an urban society; 2)was an age of recovery from disasters such

as the plague; 3)there was a new emphasis on individual ability.

Question #3:

Which 3 city-states played a crucial role in Italian politics?

Answer:

Milan, Venice, & Florence

Question #4:

How did the location of Milan help make it rich & powerful?

Answer:

It was located at the crossroads of the main trade routes from Italian coastal cities to the Alpine Passes

that led to trade with Europe.

Question #5:

What activities in Florence did the Dominican preacher Savonarola

seek to regulate?

Answer:

Gambling, horseracing, swearing, painting, music, books

Question #6:

Which two European countries made Italy their battleground for 30 years?

Answer:

France & Spain

Question #7:

Why did the army of Charles I of Spain sack the city of Rome in 1527?

Answer:

The army of mercenaries had not been paid for months. The

commander of the army allowed them to smash the gates to Rome

and loot the city.

Question #8:

What has been the impact of Niccolo Machiavelli’s book, The Prince?

Answer:

The Prince has been one of the most influential works on political

power in the western world.

Question #9:

From Machiavelli’s point of view, what attitude should a prince have

toward power?

Answer:

Political activity should not be restricted or controlled by moral

principles. For the sake of the state he must let his conscience sleep.

Question #10:

What did Castiglione say were the 3 characteristics of a perfect

Renaissance noble?

Answer:

1)A noble is born, not made

2)Should have military skill & a classical education

3)Should follow a certain standard of conduct.

Question #11:

How did Italian families have their children declared adults?

Answer:

Their fathers went before a judge and formally freed them from his

authority.