THE HIGH MIDDLE AGES, Agricultural Revolution

THE 11 TH CENTURY EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION It helped make the High Middle Ages possible Four factors that led to the Ag Revolution: The end of the wave of raids that swept Europe during the 9 th and 10 th centuries The clearing and cultivation of new land and the spread of the three-field rotation system Technological innovations like the heavy plow and the horse collar And the use of wind and water mills for power

AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION Effects of new technological advances: Dramatic increase in the supply of food in western Europe Revival of trade and the rebirth of towns (the medieval urban revolution) Economic prosperity that led Medieval Europe to make numerous political, economic, social and intellectual advances

THE MEDIEVAL REVIVAL OF TRADE Two types of commercial activity after 1050: Local: surplus grain and products from small industries in markets Long distance: textiles, wine and luxury items Trade expansion allowed new business partnerships, money economy, and a money changing or banking system.

THE MEDIEVAL URBAN REVOLUTION Urban life declined significantly after the fall of Rome. It revived during the 11 th century. Why? Increased food supply, population growth and the revival and expansion of trade. Where? Towns were founded where merchants gathered. Impact: Introduced a new class, the bourgeoisie, merchant and graft guilds developed.