A booming economy along with the communes desire to obtain political power led to the formation of a new class in society which ultimately lead Europe into a period simply known as the Renaissance. Northern Italy’s thriving economy was a result of great advances in shipbuilding. Their ships were capable of sailing year round and could travel even greater distances, which meant they could eliminate middle men and make an even greater profit on …showed first 75 words of 1338 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1338 total…merchants calculated ways of increasing their money. Italy’s new found wealth which sparked the Renaissance was due in big part to it’s advancements in shipbuilding and their control of papal funds by Italian bankers. A booming economy gave more time to appreciate to the arts. Woman and slaves showed prestige and power. The entire period of the Renaissance revolved around money, power, and class. The focus shifted from obtaining money to obtaining culture.