The struggle between the Popes and the Hohenstaufen left
Italy in a political condition which differed essentially from that of other
countries of the West. While in France, Spain and England the feudal system was
so organized that, at the close of its existence, it was naturally transformed
into a unified monarchy, and while in Germany it helped to maintain, at least
outwardly, the unity of the empire, Italy had shaken it off almost entirely.
The Emperors of the fourteenth century, even in the most favourable case, were
no longer received and respected as feudal lords, but as possible leaders and
supporters of powers already in existence; while the Papacy, with its creatures
and allies, was strong enough to hinder national unity in the future, but not
strong enough itself to bring about that unity. Between the two lay a multitude
of political units?republics and despots?in part of long standing, in part of
recent origin, whose existence was founded simply on their power to maintain
it. In them for the first time we detect the modern political spirit of Europe,
surrendered freely to its own instincts. Often displaying the worst features of
an unbridled egotism, outraging every right, and killing every germ of a
healthier culture. But, wherever this vicious tendency is overcome or in any
way compensated, a new fact appears in history?the State as the outcome of
reflection and calculation, the State as a work of art. This new life displays
itself in a hundred forms, both in the republican and in the despotic States,
and determines their inward constitution, no less than their foreign policy. We
shall limit ourselves to the consideration of the completer and more clearly
defined type, which is offered by the despotic States.
