Factions

Factions—interest groups devoted to achieving particular political goals—existed throughout Renaissance society. They were formed to influence public affairs and often divided the population into rival parties. Some factions engaged in activities that disrupted the peace, destroyed property, and even led to war. Many Renaissance political thinkers disapproved of factions, arguing that individuals should set aside their personal interests to work for the common good. Others, however, accepted the idea that factions might have a legitimate basis.

Reasons for Factions. During the Renaissance, factions emerged as a result of personal loyalties, political rivalries, opposition to government policies, and other causes. Personal loyalties played a major role because people gained access to business opportunities and positions of privilege through their contacts with relatives, friends, and neighbors. Connections with important patrons* sometimes led people to favor a particular faction. Prominent individuals, such as members of the Medici family in Florence, often acquired supporters by performing favors for others. Bonds formed in this way, however, were limited because people might receive favors from more than one patron.

Some factions developed around political rivalries. Government officials often divided into factions over policy issues, with each side claiming its own position to be better for the community. Competition for public office could also cause friction between the candidates' supporters. In monarchies, factions formed when a lack of strong leadership led to a power struggle. The rise of one family to a position of prominence might cause other families to band together. Hostility or rivalry between families could also result in the formation of factions.

Factions sometimes grew out of opposition to the government, particularly if rulers adopted unpopular policies or failed to carry out their duties. This type of opposition arose more often in republics*, where issues were openly debated and large numbers of people participated in the political process. It was less common in states run by an established ruling family, where an elite* group decided all major issues. In such an environment there was little opportunity for factions to develop. As long as the rulers acted according to expectations and satisfied powerful interests, peace and harmony could be maintained. Ideology* also gave rise to factions. Groups cited principles such as the need for good government to justify their actions. Religion, in particular, often served as a powerful force in uniting people behind a common cause.

Structure and Organization of Factions. Some Renaissance factions, particularly those involved in long-term conflicts, developed a formal structure, with officials and councils like those of government. To help unify the group, members might wear certain colors or greet each other with a special handshake. However, most factions were relatively informal. They tended to be short lived because their followers shifted loyalties freely according to their interests and beliefs.

External factors played a role in the growth of factions as well. Sometimes minor disputes within a state turned into major crises because foreign powers intervened or factions received support from abroad.

Controlling Factions. Renaissance leaders sought to eliminate factions because of their disruptive effects. Rulers often appealed for peace or asked people to place public concerns above personal interests. They might also ask citizens to take oaths against participating in factional conflicts.

Some political thinkers suggested more formal means of limiting factions, such as placing strict controls on elected leaders. Italian writer Niccolò Machiavelli proposed establishing public institutions to deal with personal disputes. Others concluded that the only way to achieve peace and stability was to give complete power to one individual.

In general, attempts to control factions were unsuccessful. However, a few republics, including Venice and NÜrnberg, managed to limit political rivalry by providing relatively good government and general prosperity. In this way they avoided provoking opposition that could lead people to form factions.

(See alsoDynastic Rivalry; Patronage; Political Thought; Revolts; Wars of Religion. )

* patron

supporter or financial sponsor of an artist or writer

* republic

form of Renaissance government dominated by leading merchants with limited participation by others

* elite

privileged group; upper class

* ideology

belief system