The Expansion of Trade Chapter 2

In This Chapter (pg.39) In the previous chapter, you explored some of the ways that society, religion, and a changing ecomonmy affected worldview. You saw how towns where goods could be exchanged were growing up all over Western Europe. In this chapter, you will explore how trade and buisness expanded in Renaissance Europe. How did trade with the East affect European society? How did increased trade influence the growth and development of powerful city-states in Italy?

The Rise of International Trade For much of their journey across Asia, the Polos travelled the “silk road” The “silk road” was a set of routes that connected civilizations from the Mediterranean to the Pacific Ocean. Not only was this route used for trading, but it helped to exchange ideas and knowledge through international contact.

Think It Through Italy’s location has been described as “Europe’s gateway to the east.” Is this an appropriate metaphor? Explain.

The Crusades and trade Trade between Italy and the East had been re-established several centuries before the Polos’ travels as a result of a series of religious wars. These wars were between the Christians and the Muslims were known as “the Crusades.”

Continued.. Important results of the Crusades for Europeans: A. Contact with Muslim civilizations B. Trade C. This was good for the Europeans because the Muslim world was more advanced. D. Contact exposed both sides to new ways of thinking. E. Crusaders brought back many new goods that were not available in Europe which led to tremendous demand and further trade between Europe and the East.

Zoom In http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-niTeTY7pw Read about the crusades on pg. 41 and answer the following question. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-niTeTY7pw Read Page 41 and the Questions:

Goods from the East Oil Fruits Spices Luxury goods not available in Europe (precious jewels, rugs and fabrics) The most valuable/desirable goods were spices. In many cases, it was worth more than its weight in gold.

The Italian City-States Renaissance Europe did not look the way Europe does today. Many countries had different borders compared to today and many were not countries at all; but kingdoms and empires. Italy was a collection of city-states; which is a city that is politically independent along with the rural area around it (hinterland).

The success of City-States Dozens of City-States grew up across the northern half of Italy and became the wealthiest cities in Europe due to geography, climate, leadership, and social organization. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfe-eNq-Qyg

The Silk Road http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfe-eNq-Qyg&feature=fvst http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLSCMeP4si0

Geography Compared to the rest of Europe, Italy was closest to the port cities of Northern Africa and the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Trade for spices and other luxury goods was easier and cheaper compared to the rest of Europe

Climate Italy’s climate is milder compared to European countries north of the Alps. This meant that trade was not affected by winter weather. The climate was also beneficial in growing crops such as olives and grapes (both very valuable in trade)

Leadership In pre-modern Europe, most countries were monarchies ruled by a king or queen. Northern Italy, on the other hand, was a collection of city-states that had their own governments, armies, and controlled their own affairs. Venice, Milan, Florence, and Genoa became the wealthiest trading, buisness, and banking centers in Europe.

Competition for Trade Venice Genoa Read about the control that both the Venetians and the Genoese had over trade ports (Page 49-50) and using a mind map like the one below list their control. Venice Genoa

Social Organization Feudalism was not as influential in Italy compared to the rest of Europe. In Italy, the nobles moved into the towns and became part of the upper class. Many became involved in buisness and politics.

Commerce in the city-states Merchants – Made money by purchasing goods in one place and re-selling them at a higher price in another place. Not only did they buy and sell spices and luxury items, but they also bought and sold raw items that such as wool that would be used to make cloth.

Making money with money Florentine bankers established banks across Europe. They would make money by loaning money to finance international trade and voyages. Banks would make money off of the interest collected from loans that were called “Usury”. The Church originally considered usury sinful, but changed its mind to encourage investments in international trade.

Politics The economy also played a role in city-state politics as well. Everyone wanted political power. Merchants and bankers realized that the constant struggles and warfare interfered with their ability to trade and do buisness. As a result, they began supporting strong leaders who could promise stability.

Travel European bankers and merchants travelled around Europe on buisness which exposed their lifestyle to others. Wealthy Europeans, artists, and scholars began visiting Italy in curiosity and were impressed with its beauty and sophistication. Italian values and ideas were then spread across Europe.

Economics and Citizenship The Black Death played a significant role in Italy’s economy and citizenship. Wealthy people began spending money on the arts because there were few good buisness opportunities to invest in, The wealthy also contributed to the beautification of their cities to encourage feelings of loyalty and pride in the public and for the reason that they could buy their way into heaven.

Explore the Big Ideas Result Complete the organizer below to help you identify ways that increased trade and buisness affected worldview in Renaissance Europe To what extent did the following factors affect the Renaissance worldview? Result 1. Increased trade and contact with the East 2. Increased trade within Europe 3. Competition among the Italian city-states for power 4. Changing buisness practices and a focus on wealth

Walk in assignment…