The Renaissance approx. 1300 ? 1525 POLITICAL City States: No national government Florence, Genoa, Venice Some were rule by despots (Milan) Others were controlled by condottieri, or military men who were independent war lords Florence was a republic In the later years of the Renaissance, these states warred with each other and left them prone ot outside attack. This happened when Charles V?s troops attacked in 1527, thereby ending the Renaissance in Italy. The Hapsburgs (Holy Roman Empire) face many enemies during this time. They fight with the Valois dynasty in France, and must contend with the Muslims. In 1453, the Muslims finally captured Constantinople. ECONOMIC The Medici were the merchant family based in Florence.