The Revival of Trade and Towns Chapter 16 Section 1

New Farming Techniques New farming methods helped produce larger, more fruitful crops –Plows were now made of iron which could reach further into the ground –Horses replaced oxen Faster Ate less Horseshoes protected the hooves More crops = More food for the growing population of Europe –The population nearly doubled between 1000 and 1300

The Three-Field System European farmers used a technique called crop rotation –Each year, one field was planted while the other was left fallow (unplanted) The three-field system was later developed –1/3 of the land was planted in spring crops Wheat –1/3 of the land was planted in summer crops Beans or peas –1/3 of the land was left fallow Two major advantages –Increased the amount of land planted each year –Protected farmers from starvation if one of the crops failed

The Growth of Trade and Towns As population and wealth increased, the demand for trade goods also increased Noble men wanted the best armor and weapons Noble women wanted fine silk and jewelry Many common people were now able to afford some trade goods Leather boots, metal pots and pans, and sharp iron knives

Specialization and Trade  Some areas were known for specific goods  Flanders in Northern Europe  Fine woolen cloth  Toledo, Spain  Steel swords  Asia  Spices, perfumes, and silks  Crusaders got a taste for these Asian goods and wanted them after they returned to their homelands  Italian traders brought in these goods on their merchant ships

The Beginnings of a Banking System As trade increased, merchants had to transfer large sums of money –Carrying large bags of gold coins was risky Letters of credit began to be used –Allowed merchants to deposit money in one city and withdraw it from another –This made it so money was not lost in storms at sea or stolen by thieves

Growing Towns Trade and the emergence of the merchant class led to the growth of towns  Many had weekly markets Food and other goods were traded Shops were set up in the towns  Shoemakers, tailors, and metalworkers Town Fairs became popular  Jugglers, musicians, and animal trainers entertained the public  People traveled from far away to purchase rare items that were not available at home

Guilds  With trade growth, the need for skilled artisans also grew  Guilds were created A guild is a group of people practicing the same craft, usually in the same city, who have joined together for their common good A guild is a group of people practicing the same craft, usually in the same city, who have joined together for their common good Types of guilds: Types of guilds: Bakers, weavers, tanners, cobblers, fletchers, winemakers, tailors, fishers, and various smithsBakers, weavers, tanners, cobblers, fletchers, winemakers, tailors, fishers, and various smiths Only those who had been properly trained and tested by the guild could open their own business Only those who had been properly trained and tested by the guild could open their own business They set prices to prevent competition They set prices to prevent competition Quality of goods was monitored by the guild Quality of goods was monitored by the guild