How did the ride of commercial groups affect politics in Italy and France?

Answer 1

The rise of commercial groups in Italy and France during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance significantly influenced politics by shifting power dynamics away from feudal lords to merchant and bourgeois classes. In Italy, city-states like Florence and Venice became centers of trade and finance, giving rise to influential merchant families who often played pivotal roles in governance. Similarly, in France, the growth of a wealthy bourgeoisie facilitated the emergence of a more centralized state, as merchants sought political representation and rights. This shift ultimately contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of more modern political structures in both countries.