I think the church was the most crucial driving force during the Renaissance because, during the middle ages the church was the strongest ruler; Though once the church started to loose power during the Renaissance, people took the opportunity to learn new things and explore and experiment with previous knowledge. As a result, people were able to rediscover previous knowledge and expand each city-state with the knowledge that was passed on from the Roman's which the church prevented them from learning. Due to this knowledge Italy was able to become richer with power, wealth, and knowledge.
Picture: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intdept/pnp/images/cath45.jpg
