The most accurate response among the provided options is:
The political independence of the Italian cities and their connection to the Holy Roman Empire prepared them to become independent city-states.
This option highlights the crucial role of political independence and the influence of the Holy Roman Empire, which allowed these cities to assert their autonomy and develop into independent city-states. Many Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Genoa grew wealthy through trade and commerce and started to establish their own governance, often defying the centralized authority of larger kingdoms and empires. The political landscape of medieval Italy, combined with the economic prosperity of these cities, contributed to their rise as powerful city-states during the Renaissance.