The Expansion of Trade

The Expansion of Trade Chapter Two

Worldview Inquiry  What

impact might increased trade and business have on a society’s worldview?

In this chapter:  we

will explore how trade and business expanded in Renaissance Europe;  how trade with the East affected European society; and,  how increased trade influenced the growth and development of powerful city-states in Italy.

Section One: The Rise of International Trade  Focus 

Question:

What factors contributed to the rise of trade between Western Europe and the East at the beginning of the Renaissance?

The Rise of International Trade 





The “Silk Road” – the routes that connected the Mediterranean in the West to the Pacific Ocean in the East. Intercultural contact along this trade route led to the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Trade goods were also, of course, passed along these routes.

Whole-Class Discussion Think It Through Page 40 Italy’s location has been described as “Europe’s gateway to the East.” Is this an appropriate metaphor? Explain. What other metaphors would you use to describe Italy’s location in terms of trade?

The Rise of International Trade  The 

Crusades and Trade

“The Crusades” – a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims.

Think-Pair-Share Zoom In: The Crusades Page 41 Read The Article 2. Think About the Questions Pair Up With a Classmate and Discuss the Questions and Your Answers 4. Be Prepared to Share Your Thoughts with the Class 1.

3.

The Rise of International Trade  The 

Crusades and Trade

There were two important results of the Crusades for Europeans:  contact  trade.

with Muslim civilizations; and,

The Rise of International Trade  The  



Crusades and Trade Cont’d…

During this time, the Muslim world was more advanced than Europe. Europeans were exposed to new goods (oil, spices, fruits…) as well as new ideas (about medicine, astronomy, mathematics…) because of their travels and contact with the East. Increased trade between the two regions resulted from the European’s desire for more goods and knowledge.

The Rise of International Trade  The 

Crusades and Trade Cont’d…

Goods from the East  Many

goods that came from the East were luxury goods (precious jewels, rugs, fabrics like silk, satin…) that were unavailable in Europe at the time.  Spices, however, were the most valuable and sought after trade good.

The Rise of International Trade  Moving 

Goods and Resources

Long ago, goods were moved, often at enormous expense, to market towns on ships along the coast, on boats along the rivers, or overland by horse, mule or ox.

Whole-Class Discussion Fast Forward: Canada’s International Trade Page 46

Whole-Class Discussion Think It Through Page 46 Earlier you considered how important access to trade routes was to the Italian city-states. How important do you think access to trade routes is to Canada today: more important, just as important, or not important. Explain.

Practice Over to You Page 46 #1a & #1b

Section Two: The Italian City-States  Focus 

Question:

How did increased trade lead to the emergence of powerful city-states in Italy?

The Italian City-States 

 

“city-states” – a city and the rural area around it that is politically independent of other areas. “hinterland” – the rural area in a city-state. During the Renaissance, Italy was a collection of city-states.

Think-Pair-Share Exploring Sources: Florence, A Prosperous City-Sate Page 47 1.

3.

Read The Article and Examine Figure 2-11 2. Think About the Questions Pair Up With a Classmate and Discuss the Questions and Your Answers 4. Be Prepared to Share Your Thoughts with the Class

The Italian City-States 

The Success of the City-States  Dozens

of city-states in the northern half of Italy became the wealthiest cities in Europe because of their geography, climate, leadership, and social organization.

The Italian City-States 

The Success of the City-States Cont’d  Geography 

Italy was closest to the port cities where spices and other luxury goods were available for trade. This made transporting these goods by sea easier and cheaper for traders in Italy.

The Italian City-States 

The Success of the City-States Cont’d  Climate 

Italy’s mild climate meant that trade and travel were not interrupted by winter weather. It also allowed for a long growing season for important trade items such as olives (for oil) and grapes (for wine).

The Italian City-States 

The Success of the City-States Cont’d  Leadership 





“monarchy” – ruled by a king or queen – how most European countries were governed during the Renaissance. Italy was never governed by a monarchy. Instead, each city-state in Northern Italy had its own government and army with control over its own affairs. Venice, Milan, Florence, Genoa – became the wealthiest trading, banking, and business centres in Europe.

The Italian City-States 

The Success of the City-States Cont’d  Social 

Organization

Feudalism did not have near as much control over Italy as it did in other areas of Europe. Many nobles lived in towns where they became involved in business and politics.

The Italian City-States  Competition 





for Trade

There was rivalry between Italy’s city-states as they all wanted to expand their trade and business. The city of Venice became a great trading centre as a result of its dealings with the East and became the largest shipbuilding centre in Europe. Genoa, the other great maritime power in Italy, was on equal terms with Venice until its fleet was destroyed in 1380.

Think-Pair-Share Exploring Sources: Venice’s Success Page 49 Read The Diary Passage 2. Think About the Questions Pair Up With a Classmate and Discuss the Questions and Your Answers 4. Be Prepared to Share Your Thoughts with the Class 1.

3.

The Italian City-States  Commerce 



in the City-States

Merchants made money by buying goods in one place and selling them for a higher price in another place. They bought finished goods, as well as resources (ie. raw wool) that needed to be manufactured into goods (cloth).

The Italian City-States  Commerce 

in the City-States Cont’d

Making Money with Money  Bankers

and merchants brought wealth to their cities.  Florentine bankers established banking houses across Europe and Florence’s economy became so powerful that its golden “florin” became the most important currency in Europe during the Renaissance.  “Usury” – the practice of charging interest when loaning money

The Italian City-States  Commerce 

in the City-States Cont’d

Making Money with Money  The

economy in Italy’s city-states continued to evolve which led to support for strong leaders who promised stability.  Italian values and ideas spread across Europe as wealthy Europeans, artists and scholars visited Italy and were impressed by the Italians beauty and sophistication.

Whole-Class Discussion Voices: Doing Business Page 51

Think-Pair-Share Exploring Sources: The Nuu-Chah-Nulth Page 53 Read The Description 2. Think About the Questions Pair Up With a Classmate and Discuss the Questions and Your Answers 4. Be Prepared to Share Your Thoughts with the Class 1.

3.

Think-Pair-Share Zoom In: The Medici Family Page 54 Read The Article 2. Think About the Questions Pair Up With a Classmate and Discuss the Questions and Your Answers 4. Be Prepared to Share Your Thoughts with the Class 1.

3.

Whole-Class Discussion

Fast Forward: Wealth and Responsibility Page 55

The Italian City-States  Economics  



and Citizenship

The economy went into a depression following the Black Death. Merchants and bankers continued to grow wealthier through trade and commerce. Wealthy people spent their money on the arts and the beautification of their cities – this encouraged loyalty and pride in the Italian public.

Practice Over to You Page 56 #5