Page:Cambridge Modern History Volume 1.djvu/19

 Contents. xv PAGE Appeal refused. Revulsion in popular sentiment. . . . . 176 Alexander VI and Savonarola. Political position. Alexander intervenes, 1495 177 Defence of Savonarola. Reunion of Tuscan and Lombard Congregations. New Tusco-Roman Congregation, 1496. Apology for Brethren of St Mark. Excommunication published, 1497 178 Alexander VI willing to accept submission. Contumacy of Savonarola. 179 Alexander demands that he be silenced. Franciscan challenge, 1498. 180 The ordeal of fire. Disputes and futile ending. Riots. Death of Valori 181 Savonarola arrested, and tried. Use of torture 182 Charges of imposture, of interference in party politics. . . . 183 Appeal to General Council. Condemnation of Savonarola. . . 184 Sentence by Church and State, May, 1498. Execution .... 185 Causes of the tragedy. Political circumstances 186 Political activity of Savonarola. Gradual loss of favour .... 187 The ordeal. Desertion of the Friar by his followers .... 188 Savonarola as a spiritual power ........ 189 CHAPTER VI. FLORENCE (II): MACHIAVELLI. By L. ARTHUR BURD, M.A. Causes of the downfall of the Florentine Republic 190 Lack of military strength ; financial difficulties ; hostile neighbours ; lack of statesmen and generals 191 Relation of Florence to the French ; to Cesare Borgia. War with Pisa. 192 Cesare Borgia threatens Florence; takes Piombino. Vitellozzo at Arezzo, 1502 193 Cesare's line of positions. Urbino and Camerino needed to complete the ring. Attitude of France 194 Revolt of the captains. Machiavelli's mission. The trap of Sinigaglia. Effects on Florence. Death of Alexander 195 Accession of Julius. Reverses of the French. Government of Soderini (1502-12). Position of Machiavelli 196 Alviano attacks Florence; his defeat. Military reforms, 1506. Reduction of Pisa. War of Cambray. Position of Florence .... 197 Mission of Machiavelli to France, 1510. The Holy League, 1511. The French driven from Italy, 1512 198 The Medici restored, 1512. Machiavelli's career 199 His position in history and political philosophy ; his life in retirement. 200 His literary works ; his opinions ; their genesis and exposition. . 201 Local and temporary elements distinguished from general and permanent; individual conceptions from those common to his times. . . 202 His conception of human nature; its essential depravity; imitativeness of man 203 Growth and decadence alternate 204 Causes of decay. Influence of individuals 205 Necessity of law for correction of human depravity 206