Explain the factors that led to the shifts in the social structure of Boccaccio's Italy

Giovanni Boccaccio lived during the beginning of the Italian Renaissance, which was a period of significant change in Italy, as well as in the rest of Europe. Disease and changes to the European weather patterns led to changes in population location and mass. New social classes emerged as the merchant class rose in power and the economics of Europe began changing from agriculture to trade. And the rediscovery of classical learning and art led to new ideas and the growth of urban universities. As a result of these forces, 14th century Italy shifted from an agricultural society to an increasingly urbane and learned society.