As one of the major city-states in Italy during the 1300s, Florence had a republic government which meant they elected leaders on their own. Due to their kind of governance, Florence grew into a very rich city with most of the richest men being businessmen and merchants. These people had so much wealthy such that they could afford to hire craftsmen and artisans.
Their decisions to hire craftspeople and artisans lead to extreme competition among thinkers and artists. This competition fueled the growth of art which also lead to the initiation of fresh thoughts. In the late 1400s, one of the richest families in Florence, the Medici family assumed power. Since they were all wealthy bankers, they used their wealth to sponsor artists which enabled artwork to flourish and the humanist movement to forge ahead.