The Parlemento itself was a traditional means used in times of crisis to correct for uncertainties and instabilities in Republican Florence. The crisis was deep and the way through it had seemed impossible. But with a few probing questions the very temporary central councils thought they could plumb the will of the people, and thus, set a course for a future government. The city had just suffered a coup in the loss of the Medicean powers, the consequent invasion of the French army had set everyone aback, and back out onto the streets, and all this in just a month. What better way to find out what people thought than to ask as many of the age-appropriate male citizens what they thought, en masse?
There must have been thousands thronged there if at all possible.
Wsa8578 White 1746 Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria Florence Italy D https://t.co/oJX79xiMBJ pic.twitter.com/DhR1a44V7y
— highly lovely item (@dominguezotelo) October 26, 2015
The questions posed to the gathered crowd got right to the point. As Lauro Martines tells it. First, any laws in opposition to what was about to be established, were null and void. Next, any leagl or executive councils of the Medici regime were abolished. Further, all exiles and their descendents since 1434 would be allowed to return to Florence. Lastly a special commission of Twenty would be established. The purpose of this group would be to pick the next Signoria, other top officials and to reshape public authority. All this was agreed to by the Florentine crowd. [p.62]
This group of Twenty were prominent oligarchs, people with connections, families, wealth, means and goals. Five of them it was said were Medici supporters who had found a way that could most please the greatest majorities. Some protested afterward about these before the Signoria and were shouted out. For three weeks this group of Twenty and the Signoria proposed, discussed, argued and cajoled their way to another set of resolutions.
As these intense discussions continued it became clear that the people would only abide some form of mass representation. The idea of a Great Council like that found in Venice, would be formed in Florence. But in Florence, it instead would also include artisans, shopkeepers, merchants, small-time attorneys and the once-famous named but recently humbly-made adults. The old landed aristoctrats may not be happy about the new arrangements, but, it was reasoned, the tide was too high. The oligarchs at that time could not turn back the intensity of the people's wishes with anything less than direct representation. It did not help that there were so many armed people roaming the streets. Martines says the ambassador from Ferrara, Manfredo de' Manfredi in a letter dated 20 December seemed alarmed at all the armed men and mercenaries in the government palace, in private parties and the continuing recruitments of more of the same. [p. 63]
By December 23, a new Great Council was decided on which would draw from the entire citizenry of adult males eligible for office, some 3500 people. These would elect new office holders and pass new legislation. This body would be divided into three parts and each member would hold office for only six months. Two-thirds of this huge body would constitute a quorum but, it was the Priors of the Signoria who would convene the Council and introduce new legislature. This body would rule in Florence for the next eighteen years and until the de'Medici returned to power. [p.64]
All through November until past Christmas, Friar Savonarola preached his Advent sermons at San Marco. It must have seemed that the city hung on his every word.
____________________________________________
notes from pp. 62-64 in Martines, Lauro: Fire In The City: Savonarola and the struggle for the soul of Renaissance Florence ; Oxford University Press, New York, 2006
No comments:
Post a Comment