The document summarizes developments in medieval Europe, including increased trade, growth of cities, and rise of a middle class. New farming technologies led to population growth, revitalizing trade between Europe and Asia/Middle East. Cities in Flanders and Italy prospered as centers of trade. A middle class of merchants and artisans emerged, organized into guilds that controlled local economies and politics.
2. Agricultural Revolution
New farming
technologies
Use of iron
Crop rotation
More food
Population growth
3. Revival of Trade and Travel
Increased trade
with Middle East
and Asia (See map
of trade routes-p.
46)
Trade Fairs
Big cities in
Flanders (north)
and Italy (south)
Needed a charter
from the king
4. Growth in Business
Credit- idea borrowed
from Muslim merchants
Investments
Partnerships
Insurance
Serfs became tenant
farmers- paid rent
5. The Church in Business
The Church forbade
Christians from lending
money and collecting
interest
Jews became
moneylenders
Very successful
Profitable
Resentment and
prejudice toward Jews
6. Rise of Middle Class
Merchants, traders,
artisans
Despised by nobles
and clergy
Guilds
Associations based on
job
Made big decisions on
town life
7. Becoming a guild member
Apprentice
Children in
training
7 years
Journeymen
Paid employees
Guild Masters
8. Town and
City Life
Town surrounded by high walls
Limited space within the wall
Building grew taller to fit more people
Neighborhoods separated by occupation
Dark, filthy, crowded