Italian city - states Flashcards
Monarchs
During the late middle ages, most kingdoms and empires were ruled by monarchs
City states
A City-State consists of a city politically independent and the rural area around it
Hinterland
This rural area is called the hinterland
1st reason why city-states are successful
Geography: Italy was the closest to ports in North Africa and the Middle East, Sea trade routes were easier and safer to travel compared to land routes
2nd reason why city-states are successfull
Climate: Italy had milder climates, trade routes would not be interrupted by weather, and longer growing seasons for grapes and olives
3rd reason why city-states are successful
Leadership: Italy was not controlled by monarchs, Italy had a collection of city-states, own government, armies, affairs, grew wealthy trading, businesses and banking centers
4th reason why city-states are successful
Social organization: Feudalism was not great because of land, nobles moved to towns and became upper class citizens, they became businessmen and politicians
What was the competition between Venice and Genoa?
Because city-states all wanted to expand their trade and business, there was rivalry among them. Genoa and Venice competed with each other for control of the sea routes in the Mediterranean
Merchants
Merchants made money by purchasing goods in one place and then selling them for a higher price in another place. Merchants also bought and said resources that needed to be manufactured into goods.
Popolo Minuto
Popolo Minuto ( the little people), the workers and the shopkeepers that make stuff and sell them.
Banks
The bankers brought wealth to their cities. Florentine bankers established banking houses across Europe. Florence’s economy became so powerful that its golden “florin” became the most important currency in Europe.
What was Usury?
The practice of loaning money to someone
What did the Middle Ages consider Usury as?
During the Middle Ages, the Church considered usury sinful, however, the international trade, the church began to allow charging interest for loans.
Who was wealthy now?
Nobles, bankers, the new wealthy merchant families and numerous small merchants, shopkeepers and craftspeople all wanted political power.
Why did the economy go into depression?
The economy went into depression in the years because of the Black Death
