Chapter 1 & 2 Flashcards
How was Marco Polo’s worldview different from that of others during the Middle Ages?
He had more wealth than others! And economy is a factor in worldview. He also travelled a lot with his family; the idea of “there are things out there and I need to find them”.
What was the “Silk Road” and why was it important?
Important for transporting different goods to different countries; a road made for merchants to go across and trade. The trade routes created wealth, buying something and then selling it for more.
Describe and explain the significance of “the Crusades”.
Trade increased as there was no more war after the Crusades. The warriors who went with the crusades and survived went back onto the trade route to sate their desires for goods they had found.
What factors contributed to the rise in trade between Western Europe and Eastern Europe at the
beginning of the Renaissance?
The Crusaders brought back oils, spices from the Muslims and more back to Europe. This provoked more trading between the East and West.
Compare the trade occurring during the Renaissance to the trade occurring in the New World. How
were they similar?
During the renaissance they transported goods across the coastline and towards the mainland- today we still do that, travelling along riverbanks and coasts to bring it to cities. Fur trade, spice trade, etc; people willing to risk their lives for goods.
What 2 categories can maps usually be divided into?
Physical Geography (Landforms) and Human Geography (Road, cities).
What is the major difference between the trade routes controlled by Italian city-states and other
trade routes?
The Italian trade routes were all on the sea while all of the other routes were on land.
Why did geography have such an important effect on economic relationships during the
Renaissance?
It was harder to get to different places- therefore geography had a very vital effect on how to get the economy. Whether you’d go by boat, foot, or cart.
Does geography now have the same importance on economics as it did during the Renaissance?
Explain.
It does not; now we have bridges, paths, trains, cars, etc that we can use to help us get to where we need to go. Before you had to travel on rickety ships, horse and cart, by foot, etc.
Define City-States and explain why they were successful?
A City-State was an isolated piece of land that could be classified as its own state. They were successful for Geography, Climate, Leadership and Social Organisation. The Italians were more powerful due to their geography and climate. They lived near rivers and the weather was mild and unaffected by the cold. Their leadership was separate; they had no monarchy but instead an independent government. Feudalism also didn’t have as strong a hold on the Italian city-states.
Why were City-States competing with one another? Identify specific examples.
Each city state wanted to expand their trade and business- which promptly caused rivalry. This was one of the factors that led up to Genoa and Venice to fight for control of the Mediterranean sea routes. Florence popped up in the middle of this war and ended up taking victory.
How did City-States completely change the notion of commerce/business during the Renaissance?
Identify and explain the new business practices being conducted.
Business grew as the trade industry flourished. Merchants began to sell raw resources and goods such as spices and wool. Some guilds buy raw materials so they may be manufactured and the pay is distributed. Usury is also an option, though considered sinful by the church. Banks provided bills of exchange; you could hand one of these to somebody else promising something for something.
Outline/highlight Lorenzo de Medici’s life and contributions to the Renaissance. (! page 54 !)
Medici’s family became wealthy from marrying into the royal family and becoming high up catholic persons. He bought supporters and exiled his enemies, which gave him power over Florence. Under his influence, Florence attacked many neighbouring CIty-States and allied with Milan. Many of the family members died by other family members; who only killed them so they could receive their inheritance of wealth.
Describe the Feudal System
The social structure/pyramid during the renaissance, in which the Crown was at the top.
In European Feudal society, how was a person’s social status determined by?
How much money you had, whether or not you believed in god, what family you were born into
