2. ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN CASTILLA THE ECONOMY OF CASTILLA 1. The wool industry: It was very important Sheep was moved long distances along noth- south routes called ca単adas. Sheep grazed in the north in the summer and were taken south to pasture during the winter. In 1273 AlfonsoX grouped the main sheep owner together in an organisation called he Mesta. The Mesta supervised great migrations of sheep across Castilla. Castilian wool was exported in large quantities to regions like Flanders. 2. Comercial activity: - With other countries: - It was connected to the rise of the wool industry. - The increase in wool exports to northen countries led to the rise of ports on the Cantabrian coast: Bilbao, Laredo and Santander. - Iron was also exported. - Inside Spain: - Commercial activity was modest - There were important trade fairs like Medina del campo. - There was some cloth production by craftsmen in the northern submeseta. 3. Agriculture: - Cereals were grown - Vines were grown for wine. - Olives for oil. - Most of the land was owned by the aristocracy nd the church.
2. ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN CASTILLA CASTILIAN SOCIETY 1.
The aristocracy: - They received vast areas of land and acquired a great wealth during the Reconquest. Great aristocratic dynasties emerged. 2. The clergy: It was highly privileged. It did not have to pay taxes and it received land and wealth during the Reconquest. 3. The Castilian bourgeoisie was not as in other parts of Europe. 4. The peasants: - They were afected by wars and epidemics. - The aristocracy imposed additional taxes that produced local rebellions. (The Irmandi単a Revolts in Galicia)5. The minorities: - The Mudejars - The Jews - The situation of theirs worsened in periods of crisis.
2. ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN CASTILLA THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE CROWN OF CASTILLA 1.
Monarchy :
- The monarch was surrounded by nobles and officials who formed the court and later the royal council. - Monarchsproclaimed laws, administered justice and led their armies in wartime. 2. The Cortes: - It was an assembly made up of represenatives of the aristocracy, clergy and important citizens from the main cities. 3. Municipalities:
- They had considerable autonomy due to fueros, because the kings had granted fueros as a way of attracting population to reconquered territories. - They were administered by city councils and controlled by the nobility and the bourgeoisie.