Culture, society and economy

Question 1

Culture

Answer 1

Rulers usually intermarried, language (Latin), religion (mainly Christianity)…

Question 2

A gruesome period, but…

Answer 2

Ave. number of wars decreased between 16th and 18th centuries
Duration of wars decreased from 12 years to 4 (1650-1800)

Question 3

A vital society - demographics

Answer 3

European population grew from 68 million in 1400 to 169 million in 1800
Average life expectancy at birth was 30-40 depending on age, region, century

Question 4

Economy and division of labour

Answer 4

European economy grew
Absolute GDP
Disposable/per capita income slowly grew from 1350 to 1900s

Question 5

No urban society?

Answer 5

5-10% of populations lived in cities

70-90% engaged in some form of agricultural activity

Question 6

Why did the economy grow?

Answer 6

Better handling of resources 
Technology
Division of labour
Sophistication of production processes 
Industry and manufacturing

Question 7

J. Black - war and dynasticism

Answer 7

War was the most effective way for aggressive dynastic purposes which illuminated many of the states of the period

Question 8

J. Black - when does a rebellion become a war?

Answer 8

Declaration of war often prolonged due to alliances which very often only contained provisions for a mutual defensive assistance