the expansion of trade chapter two. worldview inquiry what impact might increased trade and...

The Expansion of

TradeChapter 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 ThroughPage 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-ShareZoom In: The Crusades

Page 41

1. Read The Article2. Think About the Questions

3. Pair Up With a Classmate and Discuss the Questions and Your Answers

4. Be Prepared to Share Your Thoughts with the Class

The Rise of International Trade The Crusades and Trade

There were two important results of the Crusades for Europeans: contact with Muslim civilizations; and, trade.

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.


Fast Forward: Canada’s International Trade

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Whole-Class DiscussionThink 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.

PracticeOver 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-ShareExploring Sources:

Florence, A Prosperous City-SatePage 47

1. Read The Article and Examine Figure 2-112. Think About the Questions



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.


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).


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.


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-ShareExploring Sources: Venice’s Success

Page 49

1. Read The Diary Passage2. Think About the Questions



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.


Voices: Doing BusinessPage 51

Think-Pair-ShareExploring Sources: The Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Page 53

1. Read The Description2. Think About the Questions



Think-Pair-ShareZoom In: The Medici Family

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1. Read The Article2. Think About the Questions




Fast Forward: Wealth and ResponsibilityPage 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.

PracticeOver to You

Page 56

#5

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