The Italian Renaissance begins in 1350. The last Visconti ruler of Milan dies in 1447. Michelangelo finishes the Sistine Chapel in 1512. The Book of the City of Ladies is written in 1404. Charles VIII leads an army into Italy 1494. The Thirty Years' War begins 1618. The Glorious Revolution 1688. Peter the Great dies 1725. The European economy begins to decline 1560. The Salem witch trials 1692. Identify two causes and effects of five different events. Italy in the 1300s was alive thanks to international trade and communication. Art and architecture from various parts of the world arrive in Italy, leading to the spread of new ideas. Decline of fanatical religious ideas, replaced by art and philosophy. A new secular society flourishes, more focused on economics and government rather than religion and property. The last ruler Visconti of Milan dies. After the death of the Viscontis, Italy became disconcerted and their unity faltered. This paved the way for Francesco Sforza to subsequently conquer Milan, becoming the new duke. Francesco Sforza hired a multitude of mercenaries (soldiers who sold their services to the highest bidder). The mercenaries allowed power to remain in the hands of the Sforzas, creating a centralized state. Furthermore, it created an efficient tax system and generated a huge amount of revenue for the government. The Thirty Years' War begins. Fighting began in Germany and caused mass destruction. Rival armies destroyed the German countryside and entire cities. Germany would not be united for 200 years. The Peace of Westphalia officially ended the war in Germany in 1648. The victors conquered new territories. France emerged as the dominant nation in Europe. Give space to the systematic development of France. The European economy begins to decline. The European population began to grow in the 16th century. This population growth causes inflation. Inflation raises prices, and the demand for land and food has driven up prices for both. The economic slowdown caused Spain to become dependent on imported silver. Mines produced less silver, fleets were subject to pirate attacks, and the loss of Muslim and Jewish artisans and traders hurt the economy. The Glorious RevolutionMonarchy became the new form of government in England. In January 1689, he offered the throne to William and Mary who accepted it along with the Bill of Rights. Parliament granted passage of the Toleration Act of 1689. This act granted Puritans the right to free public worship. From then on few English citizens would be prosecuted for their religion.