Growth of Trade and Towns

The Late Middle Ages

Big Picture Questions to Consider During This Unit

How did the growth of towns decrease the power of feudal

nobles?

How did the growth of towns change the social structure in

Western Europe?

Barriers to trade during the Early Middle AgesThe Manors were self

sufficientThere was little money available for trade

The roads were poor and there were few bridges that had survived from the Roman EmpireChurch rules:

“just price” – no profit allowedUsury forbidden – no interest could be charged on loans

The Crusades had caused an increase in the demand for trade

The Muslims in the East had been exposed to new products from Europe

The Muslims in the East had been exposed to new products from Europe

TimberTimber

GrainGrain

FishFish

WoolWool

WineWine

OilsOils

LeatherLeather

ArmorArmor

The Crusaders had brought back products from the east that were now

in demand in western Europe

Cotton, Linen and Silk

Perfumes, Dyes and Medicine

Gold, Silver and Ivory

Trade Routes Emerge

International trading began in Italy – Venice & Genoa

Trading spread from Italy to Northern Europe first following the rivers, and then by ship - hugging the coastline.

The cities in Flanders & those of the Hanseatic League began to spread trade in northern EuropeThe cities in Flanders & those of the Hanseatic League began to spread trade in northern Europe

Markets and fairs emerged as a way for the towns to trade with each other.

Markets and fairs emerged as a way for the towns to trade with each other.

Increased trade led for the need of more products = manufacturing

Increased trade led for the need of more products = manufacturing

Domestic System – All work done at home.

Trader buys wool

Sells product to highestbidder

Domestic System – All work done at home.

Trader buys wool

Sells product to highestbidder

Increased trading leads to investment.People start building capital.

What is “Capital?

A market economy emerges – Land, Labor and Capital is controlled by individuals.

A market economy emerges – Land, Labor and Capital is controlled by individuals.

Social Changes created by the growth of towns.

Rights of townspeopleGuilds Form

Rise of the Middle Class

Merchant & Banking Families Gain Power & Influence

Rights of TownspeopleRights of Townspeople

Freedom: If no one challenged the status of an “escaped” serf for a year and a day, they became free.Freedom: If no one challenged the status of an “escaped” serf for a year and a day, they became free.

Townspeople did not have to perform services for the Manor.Townspeople did not have to perform services for the Manor.

Town Justice: Towns had their own courts – were not under the control of the Lord of the ManorTown Justice: Towns had their own courts – were not under the control of the Lord of the Manor

Commercial privileges: Townspeople could sell goods and products freely without getting the Lord’s permission.Commercial privileges: Townspeople could sell goods and products freely without getting the Lord’s permission.

Soon Guilds Began to Form in the Towns

A Guild is an association or a group of people who are engaged in the same business or the

same trade or profession

A Guild is an association or a group of people who are engaged in the same business or the

same trade or profession

There were two types of Guilds: Merchant Guilds and Craft GuildsThere were two types of Guilds: Merchant Guilds and Craft Guilds

Today a Merchant Guild might be the local Chamber of Commerce, and a

Craft Guild would be a Union

Today a Merchant Guild might be the local Chamber of Commerce, and a

Craft Guild would be a Union

Merchant Guilds

Merchant Guilds

- Exclusive right to trade in the town- Outside merchants had to pay a fee to

trade in town.- Made loans to members of the Guild- Supported widows & orphans of deceased members

- Exclusive right to trade in the town- Outside merchants had to pay a fee to

trade in town.- Made loans to members of the Guild- Supported widows & orphans of deceased members

Craft GuildsCraft

Guilds

- Set hours & conditions of labor-Regulated quality of work- Made loans to members and helped out

poorer members

- Set hours & conditions of labor-Regulated quality of work- Made loans to members and helped out

poorer members

Stages of Craft Guild Membership

Apprentice:Age 7: Parents sent boy to work with Master and learn trade (3-12 years)

Apprentice:Age 7: Parents sent boy to work with Master and learn trade (3-12 years)

JourneymanJourneyman

- Worked for daily wages. - Became a master by submitting proof which would be judged by masters.

- Worked for daily wages. - Became a master by submitting proof which would be judged by masters.

MasterMaster

Master could start his own business, train apprentices and hire journeymen

Master could start his own business, train apprentices and hire journeymen

The increase in trade and commerce caused a change in

society

The increase in trade and commerce caused a change in

society

The Rise of the Middle Class

Middle class was called burgesses in England and Burger in Germany.

Middle class was called burgesses in England and Burger in Germany.

Why did the Middle Class gain so much political power in Western Europe?

Why did the Middle Class gain so much political power in Western Europe?

Medieval TownsMedieval Towns

Medieval Towns:

Ranged in population from 5,000 to 80,000

Narrow streets – dark buildings – little sunlight

No sewers – trash in street – animals wander in streets

No street lighting

No police or fire department

Houses often cold and damp in winter – hot and stuffy in summer

Overcrowded and unsanitary towns became an excellent breeding place for disease,

especially……

The Black Death

How did the plague impact the social, economic and religious institutions of Europe.