The Italian Renaissance (1350-1550):

Characteristics of the Renaissance:
- Rebirth of Greco-Roman civilization (classical culture)
- Features: individual ability & secularism (still religious)
- Dominated by wealthy elite of urban societies in Northern Italy
- Relatively swift recovery from the Black Death

Warfare & Diplomacy:
- Balance of Power: No single state dominates the others
Italian battleground: France vs. Spain (Valois/Habsburg power struggle)
- Middle Ages ambassadors: servants of Christendom (temporary)
- Italian diplomatic agents sent out to gather useful information

Machiavelli: The Prince (1513)
- Servant of Florentine government until exile
(Political influences: Ancient Rome and Italian political problems)
- Expansion of political power to ensure stability
Rejected Christian/moral principles of the common good
- Realistic self-preservation (understanding human nature)
The prince acts on behalf of the state