ECONOMY, TRADE, AND EXPLORATION DURING THE RENAISSANCE Gracie Leslie, Riley Motter, and Luz Ramirez

DEFINITIONS  Economics: The wealth and resources of a country or region.  Trade: The action of buying and selling goods and services.  Exploration: The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGES DURING THE RENAISSANCE  Cities grew and prospered during the Renaissance and rulers learned to tax the people.  The contact between cultures was in some part due to the Crusades during the 11th century.  Commerce and trade soon moved inland along the major routes of trade.

ECONOMIC POWER  Italy’s economic power was challenged during the 14th century as other country rulers began consolidating their power.  The rulers of England, France and Spain put policies in place that were favorable to their own middle class tradesman

WEALTHY  Florence became a wealthy city in of its inland location away from the major trade routes.  Family fortunes were made in Florence in banking and industry.  Florence became the banking center of Italy during the 14th century.  During the 15th century, the Medici bank began opening branches in major cities in Europe.

THE MEDICI BANK  In addition to loaning money, they operated mines, mills and other commercial activities.  The Medici bank, owned by Cosimo de Medici accumulated huge profits and used those profits to finance cultural activities.

THE BEGINNING OF TRADE  Navigation was an imprecise science.  Sailors were able to go farther than they have before.  The Renaissance continued to improve.  Increasing demands for imported goods.  Finding new places to exports local products.

RENAISSANCE TRADE ROUTES  The wealth of the East trickled into Western Europe mainly by overland routes.  Western European merchants could find different sea routes.  The Italian port cities were satisfied with their monopoly.

ORIGINS OF THE RENAISSANCE  European trade with Asia increased during the 1300s.  Italian merchants organized much of thus trade.  Trade cities in Italy grew wealthy.

CITY- STATE DURING THE RENAISSANCE Italy  The Renaissance began in the northern and central Italy.  Italian city-states conducted their own trade.  By collecting their own taxes.  And by making their own laws.

MAP OF TRADE ROUTES

TRADE ITEMS Tools and Materials Pots and Pans Grains and Wheat Iron weapons Beans and grains

THE AGE OF EXPLORATION  The Renaissance was a period of learning and cultural development in Europe during the centuries.  It started in Florence, Italy, then spread all over Europe.  Some decided to sail the ocean to explore the world.

TOOLS  Astrolabe  Magnetic Compass  Maps  Cross Staff  Quadrant  Sextant

EXPLORES  Marco Polo  Ferdinand Magellan  Francisoo Pizaro  Prince Henry

EXPLORES  Vassco da Gama  Amerigo Vespucci  Christopher Columbus  Hernan Cortes

EARLY LEADERS IN THE NEW WORLD  Early leaders Portugal and Spain

WHY EXPLORE  Some men were curious to discover more about the world.  Europeans explored for money.  Others explored for fame or experience adventure.  To discover trading routes.

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