MEDIEVAL - LOW COUNTRY MIGRANTS

Question 1

WHY DID THEY MIGRATE

Answer 1

Weavers - they were high skilled weavers and England had the best wool
Allies - Some sided w/ England during the hundred years war across Europe.
Royal Request - Henry III invited them in 1270, and he banned the export of English wool to the Low Countries so they had to come
Population Pressure - Black death killed 30-45% of people so there were more jobs.

Question 2

EXPERIENCES OF LOW COUNTRY MIGRANTS

Answer 2

They taught the English new skills so they were more welcomed - Flemish bricklayers taught new techniques
There was initial acceptance b/c of the cloth industry bringing in money
Established in Colchester: despite the black death, the population doubled
Alliance and guilds - Flemish weaving craft guild was formed to protect rights

Question 3

NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES OF LOW COUNTRY MIGRANTS

Answer 3

Discontent - English craftsmen saw the European migrants as job competition.
Revolt - they were targeted after the 1381 Peasants Revolt and 150 were murdered

Question 4

IMPACTS OF LOW COUNTRY MIGRANTS

Answer 4

Flourishing cloth exports
Affluent merchants made money from the imports and exports of cloth
Manufacturing shifted the economy from raw materials to manufacturing
Economy changes b/c of the success of the cloth industry.