Section 4 Economic Recovery Sparks Change
An Agricultural Revolution Technology improves farming Iron plow New kind of harness built for horses(faster) Production and population grow Peasants > rotation of crops > three field system Produced more food > population almost tripled
The Revival of Trade and Travel 1100s warfare and invasions declined Trade routes expand Europe enjoying trade with Middle East and Asia Merchant companies form Small centers of trade become 1st medieval cities Merchants settle in cities during the winter Merchants made charters with local lords or kings to protect their interests
A Commercial Revolution Capital being established > also start to see credit The beginnings of modern business Merchants grouped together in partnerships Developed a system of insurance to reduce risks Society begins to change Business practices reshape economy and society Christians forbidden to lend money > Jews became moneylenders > successful > led to resentment The Rise of the Middle Class Merchants, traders, and artisans formed new class The Role of Guilds Guilds? Formed by who? Each Guild represented an occupation Becoming a guild member Apprentice > Journeyman > Guild Master
Town and City Life Towns became filthy, smelly, noisy, and crowded > lead to disease