How did the Medici accumulate vast wealth and control of the Florentine Republic?

This essay covers the story of the Medici from their origins; through the careers of Giovanni Bicci de’ Medici, his son

Cosimo de’ Medici, and his son, Piero de’ Medici. Why was political power so important for this family? Wasn’t vast

wealth enough? What resentments did their wealth and power create? How did they survive challenges to their hegemony?

Was Florence truly a republic under their control?

This essay relies on Kaborycha, Short History, pp. 108-112 and p. 164; and Martines, April Blood, pp. 37-53.

Papers and exams will be graded on clear thesis statement, careful organization of material, accuracy in discussing the

paper’s sources, understanding of historical events, completeness in discussing the paper topic, and proper

documentation of sources. Papers should also be free of major writing errors. Students are encouraged to revise this

paper. Revising a paper means improving the paper’s writing and/or content. Revised papers are due in class one week

after they are returned.