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