Economic and social change

1. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGE -

ECONOMIC AND DEOMGRAPHIC GROWTH The 15 th century is considered a period of transition between the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period.

Rapid economic and demographic growth were essential causing this transformation:

1.

Agriculture improved -

Technichal innovations New land culivated Greater demand for food

2. Demographic growth: - The increase in agricultural production - The quality of food improved and there were fewer epidemics - The population increased and cities became bigger.

3. Economic growth: - caused a rise in the craftmanship (artesanĂ­a) - New financial practices and the expansion of credit helped trade grow - new trade routes - Several cities (Venice, Florence, Antwerp) became commercial centres taht connected long-distance trade routes.

1. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGE SOCIAL CHANGE -There were social changes in the 15 th century, but the division of society into estates was maintained: 1.

Nobility: -They came under royal control -They kepth their privileged position in society - They owned most of land - They had important official positions and didn’t

pay taxes.

2. Bankers and merchants: - They became very wealthy through the commercial activities.

- They formed a powerful bourgeoisie - Their sons and daughters married into noble families - Important banking families, The Medici in Italy, the Fuggers in Germany.

3. Peasants: - Feudal obligations weakened in Western Europe - Peasans were no longer serfs - Their lives were still difficult 4. Artisans: - There were many more artisans