Medieval Europe: Agricultural Rise, Trade, Cities, Governance, and the Black Death

Apuntes

UNIT 3: BETWEEN WALLS AND ROADS 1.1. The Rise of Agricultural Production From the end of the 11th century, the number of wars decreased and agriculture increased production. ● Causes: ○ Warmer Climate: A period of warmer weather. ○ Innovations: ■ Improved tools (mouldboard plough, horse collar). ■ New methods (three-field system). ■ Widespread use of windmills and watermills. 1.2. Consequences of the rise of agricultural production ○ Increased Productivity: Higher yields and a surplus of labor. ○ Population Growth: Improved diet reduced mortality. (45m.-75 m.) ○ Urbanization: Peasants migrated to cities seeking more freedom. ○ Economic Growth: Agricultural surplus boosted trade and artisanal production. ○ New Cities: Existing cities grew and new "burghs" were built. 2. Why was there trade growth? 2.1. Transport and Trade Developed... - Transport improvements: Horse collars and horseshoes → horses could pull more and travel farther. Sternpost rudder → ships were easier to control - Commercial improvements: Bills of exchange → people could trade without carrying cash. How did a bill of exchange work? A merchant gave his money to a banker in his city. The banker gave him a bill of exc...