How was the Florentine system of government unusual compared to the rest of Western Europe in the fourteenth century?
What will be an ideal response?
What made the system of the Signoria unusual was that it was not a feudal or monarchical system dependent on hereditary nobility. They referred to themselves as a Republican government based on a rotating membership participating in ruling as a council, headed by a Signoria. In fact, it was more like an oligarchy of ancient Athens, with the leadership vested in the hands of the wealthy and powerful. The base organization was the guild system within Florence, but the less prestigious and less wealthy guilds, such as those by small businessmen, artisans or unskilled workers did not participate. The wealthy guilds and their patrons dominated the political world, but the appearance of a democratic participation through rotating leadership every two months is, on the face of it, significantly different than the traditional feudal leadership by a king or nobleman. However, during the Ciompi Revolt of 1378, the lower ranked guilds rose up in rebellion, occupied the Palace of the Signoria and demanded lower taxes, the right of the Ciompi (wool carders) to form their own guild, and participation in the city councils. They succeeded for a brief period of time, although the Ciompi were forced out only a month later. The lesser guilds remained in participation of the Signoria for four years before it returned to domination by the Oligarchs.
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Andrew Johnson had been put on Lincoln's ticket as vice president in his second term
a. because Lincoln's first vice president, Hannibal Hamlin, had displayed southern sympathies. b. to appeal to War Democrats and pro-Union southerners. c. as a safe choice in case Lincoln died in office. d. as a poor white who balanced Lincoln's aristocratic background. e. to appeal to Union soldiers and radical Republicans.
Which of the following statements best describes Negro Election Day?
a. It was an annual ceremony in which the black population of several New England states was allowed to select token representatives to the colonial assemblies. b. It was an annual ceremony run by white colonists in several New England states who used it as an opportunity to mock and ridicule the black population. c. It was an annual ceremony secretly conducted by disgruntled slaves in several New England states who chose representatives to lead resistance against the slave system. d. It was an annual ceremony in which both slaves and masters participated that simultaneously strengthened communal ties among blacks and secured obedience to the slave system.
Explain the strengths and weaknesses and the successes and failures of the Progressive movement.
What will be an ideal response?
How did the United States government respond to France's declaration of war on Britain in 1793?
A) It declared war against France. B) It proclaimed neutrality. C) It reaffirmed the 1778 Franco-American alliance. D) It seized the western forts occupied by Britain. E) It declared war against Britain.