The rise of Florence as one of the leading cities in Europe from the 1400s to the 1800s can be attributed to its A) economic growth and political stability. B) position as the center of the Catholic Church. C) policies of military conquest of surrounding areas. D) exploration to the New World and establishment of colonies.

A) economic growth and political stability

Explanation:

After the middle ages and during 1400s to the 1800s, following a new system  of government in Florence, its strategic location, the many construction commissions and emergent opulent families of merchants and bankers all in part, led to a very strong economy, based on money, trade and banking.

This economic boom, its attendant show of wealth and stable political environment made Florence a natural melting point for the European intelligentsia of that era leading to a surge in artistic, literary, and scientific investigation in the region.

This culminated in Florence becoming an important seat of the renaissance a period of cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” in Europe spanning the period between the 14th century and the 17th century.