7.4 Economic Recovery Sparks Change

Agricultural Revolution and Technological Advances. Peasants adopted new technology (like iron plows and horses) which resulted in newer, faster work and production. Peasants followed the 3-field system: Field 1 for grains, Fields 2 for legumes, Field 3 left unplanted for emergencies. With these improvements population almost tripled.

The Revival of Trade and Travel Feudal warfare and foreign invasions declined, so people felt safe enough to trade and travel again. Traders formed merchant companies that traveled in armed caravans for safety. Small centers of trade/handicraft became the first medieval cities. Merchants who set up new towns asked local lords or kings for a charter (written document that set rights and privileges of the town). In exchange they had to pay a large sum of money or a yearly fee.

Commercial Revolution As trade returned the use of money increased, The need for CAPITAL (money for investments) stimulated the growth of banking houses Merchants joined together in partnerships, so they could make easier and safer investments. They also developed a system of insurance (like what we still use today) and using credit instead of cash New economy brought a new society. Serfs began selling their farm equipment and payed lords in cash instead of labor. Because most charters (what we went over a little while ago) had a certain clause that allowed serfs to work for a year and a half then be free, many moved to the new towns.

Commercial Revolution (continued) Most peasants in Western Europe were either TENANT FARMERS (paid rent for their land) or were hired farm laborers. The Church forbade Christians from lending money as interest, and as a result, many people borrowed money from Jews who became money- lenders since they didn’t really have a lot of choices for jobs. This led to a growth in economy, but also a growth in Anti-Jewish prejudice.

Town City and Life Medieval towns were surrounded by high walls and as the towns became too crowded newcomers had to settle in the fields outside the walls. People also began adding 2 nd and 3 rd stories to their houses. In larger cities there was usually a great cathedral or guild hall, and almost all cities had a church with a very high steeple. Around the church, people lived in neighborhoods with other people of similar background. There was no plumbing or garbage collection, so many people dumped their waste into the streets. So in conclusion, the cities were noisy, crowded, and filthy; A perfect breeding ground for disease. (Ring around the rosies…)