Conditions Early 16th Century - Economic Conditions in Germany

Question 1

What 3 main factors affected economic growth in Germany during the period and describe them. Use statistics

Answer 1

Population growth : rose by 3 million 1500-1550
Growing towns/cities: Cities and towns grew Ausburg 20,000 -> 40,000.
Inflation: From 1530 Prices rose rapidly and wages kept the same therefore creating imbalance.

Question 2

What were consequences of population growth and were they positive?

Answer 2

POSITIVE -

• Demand for food increased led to better agriculture as ideas brought in from Netherlands.
• Demand for consumer goods increased which in turn caused boom for trade along rivers crossing the empire.

Question 3

What were positives and negatives of inflation (consequences)

Answer 3

Positive
Silver mining industry began to thrive, providing income to the empire.
Negative
- Urban labourers suffered; as prices rose, wages didn’t and poor people forced to live in slums. 47% of Ausburg were too poor to pay tax.

Question 4

How did ports affect the economy and was it negative or positive?

Answer 4

NEGATIVE
North Germany’s Baltic ports were in decline due to Baltic herring shoals moving to North sea → Hanseatic League into a slow decline.

Question 5

What was a negative of inflation and population rise and who did this affect?

Answer 5

• Peasants were experiencing hardships. 70% of population were peasant and increase in population led to land being divided equally so less agricultural land was available.
• Urban labourers also affected very badly by inflation, high cost of living

Question 6

What was a consequence of the negative impact of the economy on the peasants’ view?

Answer 6

-Led to explosive atmosphere, 18 Peasant revolts from 1500-1525.