Part 3/8:
The Impact of Geography and Politics
Italy's geographical features played a crucial role in shaping its political divisions. The Alps to the north provided natural barriers, making territories in the Po Valley more accessible to trade and facilitating urban growth. Meanwhile, the Apennines hindered land travel to the south, leading to different pathways of development.
North Italy developed significant urban centers and trade republics like Venice and Genoa, thriving due to their strategic maritime locations. Conversely, Southern Italy remained under the influence of various foreign kingdoms and returned to reliance on agriculture, often lagging economically behind the industrializing North.