GCE History A Y305/01: The Renaissance c.1400-c.1600 Advanced GCE Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021. 100% Approved

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Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages and explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the nature and impact of Savonarola’s preaching and prophesying. In l... ocating the Interpretations within the wider historical debate, answers might argue that Interpretation A characterises Savonarola as a unique individual whose preaching and prophesying was successful due to force of personality. • In evaluating Interpretation A, answers might argue that it is valid because Savonarola developed his oratorical technique over a number of years, learning from early challenges. • Answers might argue that it is valid because his sermons had a strong emotional effect on those who heard them. • Answers might argue that it is valid because Savonarola’s prophesies appeared to be true, for example, he prophesied the coming of a biblical flood and a new Cyrus from the north who would reform the Church, which seemed to be fulfilled in September 1494, when Charles VIII of France invaded Italy, and threatened Florence. • Answers might argue that it is valid because, despite having never held any political office, Savonarola was able to rise to effectively rule Florence for four years. • Answers might argue that it is valid because up to 14,000 people listened to some of his sermons. • Answers might argue that the interpretation is 30 • No set answer is expected • At Level 5 and above answers will evaluate both interpretations, locating them within the wider historical debate about the issue and using their own knowledge, and reach a balanced judgement as to which they consider the most convincing about the issue in the question. • To be valid, judgements must be supported by relevant and accurate material. • Knowledge must not be credited in isolation, it should only be credited where it is used to analyse and evaluate the interpretations, in line with descriptions in the levels mark schemeY305/01 Mark Scheme October 2021 4 invalid because Savonarola was not universally popular, with his millenarian messages and hard moral line drawing criticisms from Florentines and the Papacy. In locating the Interpretations within the wider historical debate, answers might argue that Interpretation B sees Savonarola as a product of his time, whose preaching and prophesying was successful because it used messages which were already embedded in Florentine culture. • In evaluating Interpretation B, answers might argue that the interpretation is valid because anti-clericalism and criticisms of the Church were well established due, for example, to widespread absenteeism and pluralism, the growing accumulation of wealth by the Church and its religious orders, and the failures of some religious orders to fulfil their spiritual mission. • Answers might argue that interpretation B is valid because Florence had a long heritage of republicanism, patriotism and pride, for example under Cosimo and Lorenzo de Medici. • Answers might argue that it is valid because rhetoric was highly prized as part of a humanist education, and humanism had flourished in Florence. • Answers might argue that the interpretation is valid because Savonarola’s ideas of Christian Republicanism were not new, but he introduced much stauncher moral demands as part of that ethic. • Answers might argue that the interpretation is invalid because Savonarola’s apocalyptic preaching and messages of reform predated his time in Florence.Y305/01 Mark Scheme October 2021 5 • Answers might argue that it is invalid because Florence had embraced elements of humanism like a renewed interest in classical texts and achievements, and the arts, which Savonarola had, at best, an ambivalent relationship with and, it can be argued, was against in many cases. [Show More]

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