High Middle Ages 1000-1300CE Chapter 8.4 Agricultural Revolution & Commercial Revolution
New Technologies Iron Plough Horse harness instead of oxen harness
New Technologies Cont. Windmill: grinding flour Three-field system: grain, legumes & unplanted
Result of Agricultural Revolution Outcome: Increased food production led to an increase in population. Population doubled between 1000-1300 CE.
The Need for Products The WEALTHY & growing population needed goods not available on the manor. Trade was mostly REGIONAL but some contact with Middle East, India, & China.
Products of Trade Imported: Spices, groceries, linen Egyptian paper, pearls, perfumes Exported: precious metals in bars iron, wines, oil, and wax England exchanged wool
Revival of Trade Trade Fairs People, communities and countries begin to trade again at a higher rate. Cities of trade, learning & culture emerge
Commercial Revolution & Banking: New Business practices: Increased use of money, credit and insurance. Lending “capital” spurred the growth of banking Undermined feudalism => Middle Class of merchants, traders and artisans, many were Jewish because they could lend money with interest and not be viewed as immoral by the Christian Church.
Social Changes A New Hierarchy Merchants, traders and artisans become the new Middle Class. Peasants were still at the bottom. Nobles remained at the top.
Role of Guilds Guild - Organization of people with a common artisan. Levied taxes for streets, city walls, new town halls, etc..
City Life With population growth comes city life Sanitation issues -> Stinky Crowded Narrow Streets Tall buildings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9_ZcR0KoK8