Who made up the new ruling class in the italian states?

Wealthy Merchants and Bankers                              

Explanation:

The late 15th century was a turning point in European economic history. During this period, a long-distance trade happened where goods including raw materials, food, manufacturing products and other luxury products were brought through the Silk Route and later through sea routes.  Most of the towns developed their local markets. In Italian states, bankers and merchants conducted a long tradition of business enterprise and commercial organization. The wealthy merchants, especially Florentines, provided capital for trading, investing in military campaigns, sent money for developing mineral resources. The Medici family (The House of Medici) in Florence emerges as a new ruling class.          

to extend a country’s power and influence