"All states, all powers, that have held and hold rule over men have been and are either republics or principalities. Principalities are either hereditary, in which the family has been long established; or they are new...members annexed to the hereditary state of the prince who has acquired them, as was the kingdom of Naples to that of the King of Spain. Such dominions thus acquired are either accustomed to live under a prince, or to live in freedom; and are acquired either by the arms of the prince himself, or of others, or else by fortune or by ability." Which of the following describes how politics impacted Europe during the Renaissance?
1 answer
The quote suggests that during the Renaissance, politics in Europe were primarily characterized by the establishment and consolidation of either republics or principalities. Principalities could be hereditary or newly acquired territories. The acquisition of new territories could be through military conquest by the prince or others, as well as through luck or personal abilities. This indicates that politics during the Renaissance were heavily influenced by the pursuit of power, land expansion, and control over different territories.