How Cosimo Changed Florence

When Cosimo was brought back to Florence after his exile, the structure of government changed. Cosimo exiled the Albizzi family and their supporters. Additionally, Cosimo went on to burn the names of nametags that were in the bags. Cosimo replaces the burnt names with his supporters. This was a significant act by Cosimo because he now ensures that no one will oppose him in government. The accoppiatori is composed of only ten names from Cosimo's supporters. This changed the process of previously choosing from thousands of names to a small ten. Cosimo once said, "The power of the accoppiatori was instituted to preserve the independence of Florence." Shortly after his return to Florence he was appointed the head of government. Cosimo manipulated
the election process by putting names of people in the bags that would not be elected but the people would have been honored to be considered. This brilliant political strategy by Cosimo promoted protection and furthered his power in politics. This trick allowed Cosimo to promote fairness among the public and to create the perception that he is as equal as the public. Cosimo was very strategic in his decisions. An example of this is Cosimo placing his supporters in governmental positions because he was able to manipulate them not in the public eye. Cosimo's wealth and political strategies were the backbone of his political dynasty. Another sector that led to Cosimo's powerful control of Florence was his patronage.
Cosimo wanted to portray his public image as someone who assists all people and be very relatable. Cosimo respected the lower class, which was unusual of a person with power. Furthermore, his extensive patronage illustrated his dedication to arts and humanities. Cosimo's many patronage projects allowed him to assert power and influence. Throughout Florence, Cosimo built, "the raising of the Medici arms, the red balls on a golden field in one sacred place after another-all this has been read rightly no doubt, as the symbolism of political ambition". Another example of an act of patronage that Cosimo built was the first public library in Italy. Cosimo continued to expand the manuscripts in the library and support other important writers at the time. This library was very significant because it encouraged the citizens of Florence to read and exposed them to many new sources of literature. The printing press was not invented yet. Therefore, Cosimo's library served as a huge source of education of the citizens. J.R Hale noted, "The qualities they stress are Cosimo's magnanimity and the way in which he combined a devotion to learning with an active and conscientious concern for public affairs." The library sparked further Medici support from the known authors and humanists. The spreading of Medici influence through art instilled a positive image of the Medici in the Florentine
citizens.