Pronunciation: [ɡˈɛlfɪzəm] (IPA) 
Guelfism is a term used to describe the political ideology of the supporters of the House of Welf. It is spelled with a "u" before the "e" because it derives from the German word "Welf" and is pronounced /ɡwɛlfɪzəm/. The "g" is pronounced hard as in "go" and the "u" and "e" are pronounced separately as in "glue-fism." The "ism" is pronounced as a separate syllable with the "i" pronounced as in "it."
Guelfism is a noun that refers to the political ideology or movement associated with the supporters of the Guelfs, particularly during the Middle Ages in Italy. The Guelfs were members of a faction that supported the authority of the papacy and its influence over secular affairs, as opposed to the Ghibellines, who favored the independence and dominance of the Holy Roman Empire or Germanic authority.
This ideology originated in the 13th century and became prominent during the struggles between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire for political control and influence. Guelfism emphasized the importance of papal authority, the primacy of the Catholic Church, and its role in guiding and directing secular affairs. Those who aligned with and supported Guelfism were often associated with the urban elites, merchants, and artisans, who found common interests with the papal powers.
The conflicts between the Guelfs and Ghibellines were marked by political rivalries, power struggles, and armed conflicts, particularly in cities such as Florence, Milan, and Bologna. Guelfism was not limited to Italy but spread to other regions, influenced by the political and religious dynamics of the time.
Over time, the significance of Guelfism diminished, and by the Renaissance era, it had faded away as a distinct political ideology. However, its impact on medieval Italian politics and society cannot be understated, as it shaped the power dynamics and alliances during that period.
The word "Guelfism" is derived from the term "Guelph", which refers to a historical political faction that emerged in medieval Italy during the late 12th century. The origin of the term "Guelph" itself is uncertain, but it is believed to have been derived from the name of a noble family in Germany, Welf or Guelf, that supported the pope in the conflict with the Holy Roman Emperor.
The Guelphs were supporters of the papacy and the authority of the Pope over the secular rulers, while their rivals, the Ghibellines, supported the Holy Roman Emperor and the idea of a unified secular power. The conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines played a significant role in the politics and power struggles of the Italian city-states during the Middle Ages.
