ciompi revolt
ESSAY
One of your final pieces of work for this course is a 4-6 page essay that deals with a topic in the course that does not get a lot of regular attention in traditional history courses. Your job is to choose a topic and then provide a 4-6 page written chronological narrative on the subject.
STRUCTURE
Your essay should start with the topic’s origins, and describe chronologically its existence. Example: if your topic is Alexander’s horse Bucephalus, you would begin by writing about the origins of Bucaphales, describe how he came to be Alexander’s horse, tell the story of his life, and conclude with his death.
SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
All sources (minimum of 3) must be credible academic sources. For information on finding sources for essays, visit the Massasoit Library’s research guide page (Links to an external site.).
For this essay, keep in mind the following source requirements:
No more than one encyclopedia entry (this includes online and physical encyclopedias)
Academic journal articles are generally good
Try and find at least one book (either print or available online, through the library or elsewhere)
Bonus points for students who use at least one primary source. Note: the source must fit the subject. Points are awarded at the discretion of the Professor.
FORMAT
Length: 4-6 typed double-spaced pages
Submission Filetype: PDF
Font: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12 point
Line spacing: double
Margins: One-inch Margin
Sources: Academic and credible, at least 3
Citations: MLA or APA format (you choose)
PROCESS & STEPS
1. The first step in the process is to choose a topic. You can choose your own, or select one from the list above. This will involve some preliminary research, and should take around one week. Be careful and thorough with your topic selection, as your choice should be final. Once you’ve selected your topic, you can begin the second step in the process.
2. The second step is the research phase. You’ll read primary source documents, secondary sources, view artwork, and whatever else you need to collect data on your topic. You should gather three credible sources in total, although more is acceptable. This should take around three weeks to a month. Once you’ve accomplished this, you can begin the third step.
3. The third step in the process is the writing process, and it comes after you’ve gathered your sources. You will synthesize your research into an essay, wherein you provide information about your topic using your research.
Rubric
TERM PAPER
TERM PAPER
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFORMAT
The essay should meet all the “Format” requirements as detailed in the assignment.
20.0 pts
16-20 points
The essay meets all ‘Format’ requirements
15.0 pts
10-15 points
The essay meets most of the format requirements, but misses in some areas.
9.0 pts
5-9 points
The essay misses most format requirements.
4.0 pts
0-4 points
The essay misses all format requirements
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeORGANIZATION
The structure of the essay should be:
-Well-organized
-Chronological
-Clear
20.0 pts
16-20 points
The content of the essay is organized chronologically and clearly.
15.0 pts
10-15 points
The content is organized well, although some elements are not presented in a clear order.
9.0 pts
5-9 points
The essay lacks coherent chronological structure, but some sections are presented clearly.
4.0 pts
0-4 points
Most of the essay is unclear and not structured chronologically.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCLARITY
The essay should be:
-Well-written
-Minimal grammatical errors
-Main points should be articulated clearly and succinctly
20.0 pts
16-20 points
The essay is clear and well-written, with minimal grammatical and spelling errors. The main points are articulated succinctly and precisely.
15.0 pts
10-15 points
The essay is clear and generally well-written; very few areas lack clarity.
9.0 pts
5-9 points
Significant portions of the essay are unclear; spell check and editing processes may not have occurred
4.0 pts
0-4 points
The majority of the essay is unclear, and/or significant parts are unreadable.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRESEARCH QUALITY
The resources used should be varied and credible.
20.0 pts
16-20 points
The resources used are credible.
15.0 pts
10-15 points
All but one resources is credible.
5.0 pts
5 points maximum
Only one resource used is credible.
0.0 pts
0 points maximum
No credible resources are used.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeACCURACY
The information provided in the essay should be accurate.
20.0 pts
16-20
The essay presents accurate information.
15.0 pts
10-15 points
Most information is accurate; some areas may need citations; some areas may depend too much on writer’s opinion.
9.0 pts
5-9 points
Most information is unsourced or inaccurate. Some information appears valid.
4.0 pts
0-4 points.
The essay depends entirely on inaccurate information.
20.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0
ANSWER
Introduction
Ciompi revolt was a rebellion among the laborer who felt that they are not presented. The revolt took place in Florence in Italy between 1378 and 1382. Those who participated in the revolt included craftsmen, artisans as well as laborers who did belong to any union, hence they are not able to participate in the Florentine government. The laborers had become annoyed due to the established patrician oligarchy. Additionally, they were expected to pay high taxes that they could not afford, something that forced some of them to leave their homes. Ciompi revolt occurred in three different stages that include reform that occurred in May and June, Violent revolution and fights that took place in mid-July as well as the fall of the Ciompi government (the reaction) that occurred in August 1378 (Brannum, 2016). This paper describes the events associated with the Ciompi revolt chronologically.
The emergence of the Ciompi revolt
Ciompi revolt emerged in 1378 following the political tension between the supporters of Papacy (Parte Guelpha) and the supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor (Ghibellines) in Italy. The tension was brought about by the struggle between factions within the main ruling associations. The members of the low classes were called upon to participate in the revolt towards the end of June. They continued to agitate for their own in July and presented petitions to the executive council of Florence (Brannum, 2016). The different phases of the revolt broadly reflect the events that emerged in Florence between June and August 1378. The following is the chronological order of what happened during the period.
Reform
The Ciompi began to suggest various reforms coupled with certain demands. Some Leaders tried to execute reforms, for example, Salvestro reformed the state and renewed old ordinances of justice (Kitchel, 2018). The resignation of Salvestro led to political tension and conflict with some pushing for reforms while others remaining rigid. The first outbreak of violence occurred on the 22nd of June 1378 when un-guilded wool works took up arms and attacked monasteries, government buildings, and various Palazzi while releasing inmates from prisons. The Signoria tried to appease those who belong to the low classes through petitions and talks but ultimately suggested few changes and left the Ciompi guildless without the authority, representation in the government, and power (Trexler, 1984). The postponement of the Signoria, as well as half measures, embraced contributed to the subsequent phase of the revolt.
Revolt
On 21st July 1378, the lower classes took over the government by force, placing Michelle di Lando in the executive office of the gonfaloniere of justice and demonstrating the blacksmith’s fla (their banner) at the Bargello, the palace of the Podesta. During the same day, many armed wool workers or the Ciompi as well as individuals from the Sotto posti overwhelmed the Signoria and deliberately hanged the public killer by his feet before palazzo Vecchio (Kitchel, 2018). The wool workers made the governing body (the Signoria) to develop three additional associations so that they could access political office. While demanding the establishment of an Arte del Pololo Minuto, armed worker’s requests were no essential, they were demanding similar rights like the minor unions/guilds. Many of them took action to reform instead of revolutionary innovation. Taking into account how the wool workers had held power, their political, as well as social demands, were uncertain (Kitchel, 2018). Their major concern was the creation of a union for wool workers and wished to deal with unemployment issues by increasing and enhancing wool production. The Ciompi wanted to protect their workers and their economic interests. But then, once the new Ciompi government has pushed out the Signoria, they encountered teething challenges. Despite making demands like the right to elect 3 of their priors, the reform tax system and the lessening of judicial corporal punishment, the new government was weak (Brannum, 2016). Besides, it lacked strong bargaining power and skills. An assessment of the newly selected Balia revealed that half of them were Ciompi while the rest were the middle class as well as other professions. Clashing interest, the sense of betrayal, and the resulting struggle experienced by the Ciompi when Michele di Lando, their leader turned against them and ignored their demands led to the third phase of the revolt.
The Reaction phase
The Signori decided to commit to a new “examination” (list of union member eligible for public office) that has been created to maintain the Standard–Bearer of Justice within the three newly-developed unions instead of allow minor and major guilds or exercise control over the vital office (Brannum, 2016). The new guilds were satisfied by this, apparently, it sparked the commencement of a union between the minor and the major guilds that were to emerge a week ahead. The Ciompi broke down into factions and most of these factions separated due to the ideals and beliefs regarding how best to run the community (Kitchel, 2018). This was partly caused by the fact that their leader (Michele di Lando) as well as his government had turned against the people they had affirmed to protect. The angry and dissatisfied Ciompi responded in a way that they could. They developed a new balia that was composed of eight men (two from each quarter) to represent them as they expressed a new request to the Lando’s government. Michele refused to sign and one of the eight men was imprisoned.
As suggested before, factions of Ciompi were forming. These groups decided to react by making forceful moves. The Popolo made the first move as they move in Piazza Della Signoria. They entirely encircled Palazzo Vecchio and forced their appeal onto the Michele government. The petition professed that knights that consisted of powerful burghers and nobles could not hold office just like the law of Admonition had previously limited magnates (Brannum, 2016). The petition as read by Messer Luca di Totto da Panzano before the community and everyone as satisfied with it. Other moves were made by leaders in an effort to bring about changes (Kitchel, 2018). Towards the end of August in 1378, Lando arrested Ciompi leaders who were demanding constitutional reforms (Trexler, 1984). Lando decided to ride out of the palace with the standard-bearer of justice to clear Piazza of a militia from 3 new unions who were demanding the resignation of Lando and yelling “long live Popolo.”
Following the clearance of the three guilds, workers militia decided to return and the fight for the Piazza Della Signoria broke out between the forces of the minor and major guilds and Ciompi. The Ciompi, as well as Sotto posti, were killed by other guilds together with reformist forces under the former Ciompi leader Lando who has taken action to crush the eight representatives who attempted to challenge Lando’s government (Kitchel, 2018). The day that these events occurred was considered the bloodiest in the history of Florence. On the 1st of September 1378, nationals gathered in Piazza and approved the end of the Ciompi union. However, the government continually passed Ciompi-led reforms like the direct tax on a household’s wealth on the 29th of October 1378.
Conclusion
Generally, the Ciompi revolt occurred in three stages thus, reform, revolt, and reaction. The revolt comprised of complex economic, political, social issues as well as the involvement of several groups of workers like the Ciompi. The hierarchical union system played a vital role in the conflict since the guild members contributed to the changes in the government and end of the exploitation of the Ciompi that was brought about class stratification as well as the social, political, and leadership structure in Florence.
Reference
Brannum, J. D. (2016). The Economy, Representation, and Revolt: Social Unrest in Florence in the Wake of the Black Death.
Kitchel, A. (2018). The Ciompi Revolt Of 1378: Socio-Political Constraints And Economic Demands Of Workers In Renaissance Florence (Doctoral Dissertation, Hanover College).
Trexler, R. C. (1984). Follow The Flag The Ciompi Revolt Seen From The Streets. Bibliothèque d’humanisme et renaissance, 46(2), 357-392.
