“The wealth of Italian cities was the main cause of the Renaissance.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the wealth of Italian cities was the main cause of the Renaissance. Candidates may refer to the rise from the 12th century of city-states like Florence, Milan, and Venice. Most of them were republics that abandoned their old feudal structures, allowing new economic practices, especially in the field of commerce and banking. These activities enriched many of their citizens who acted as patrons of artists and intellectuals, who were also supported by monarchs, the nobles and the papacy. Candidates may challenge the statement by discussing the importance of maritime crossroads in the Mediterranean as one of the main causes for the intellectual and artistic interchanges that developed the Renaissance. There may be some discussion of scientific developments on intellectual activity and the reduction of the influence of religion. Also, the political and civic freedom enjoyed in these cities could be discussed as a main cause. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the wealth of Italian cities was the main cause of the Renaissance. Few responses were seen to this question. Those that were seen often tended to rely on generalisations.