EARLY MODERN PERIOD: ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY: RECOVERY OF THE POPULATION In the 14th century, Europe suffered a crisis as a result of poor harvests, wars and illness. Many people died. In the 15th century the situation improved, and the population began to recover slowly. In 1500, Europe’s population was almost as large as before the plague (Black Death, 1348). In the 16th century, there was considerable population growth

BLACK DEATH

Population growth

EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY: ECONOMIC GROWTH In the 15th and 16th centuries, the European economy expanded. Population grew, and there was greater demand for agricultural products and crafts. Geographical discoveries led to more trade with recently discovered lands. The banking system improved, and new payment and lending methods made financial transactions easier.

MEDIEVAL TRADE ROUTES

EARLYMODERN TIMES TRADE ROUTES CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCES?

EUROPE IN THE 15th CENTURY: SOCIETY Social changes The nobles and the clergy continued to be the most highly privileged classes. They did not pay direct taxes, dominated society, and held the most important positions. They were a minority, but their numbers were increasing However, the Bourgeoisie also became very influential. It was made up of rich and powerful merchant and banking families. continue

Who are the nobles? And the merchants?

EUROPE IN THE 15TH CENTURY: SOCIETY Some of them married into noble families to raise their social status. A number of bourgeois families achieved great political power, such as the Medici in Italy. Others, such as the Fuggers, German Bankers, had personal connections with powerful monarchs. They lent them money and received privileges in exchange Peasants continued to live under harsh conditions and most were very poor.

FUGGERS AGAINST MEDICIS

EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY: AUTHORITARIAN MONARCHIES In the 15th century, European monarchs continued to reinforce their power by reducing the power of the nobility, the Church, the municipalities and the Parliaments. There were serious confrontations and some of these led to civil wars.

CATHOLIC MONARCHS IN SPAIN

EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY: AUTHORITARIAN MONARCHY The monarchs implemented their decisions in various ways: They created a bureaucracy and a professional and centralised administration, which depended directly on the monarch. They built up the army. Troops were paid by the monarchs and followed their orders. They increased taxes to finance their activities. However, new taxes still needed to approval of Parliament. They created a diplomatic system to maintain relations with other countries

ACTIVITIES The most privileged class was the bourgeoisie. Complete the sentences The crisis in Europe at the end of the Middle Ages was caused by___________ In the 15th and 16th centuries, the economy became prosperous because_____________ True or false The most privileged class was the bourgeoisie. The nobles and the clergy occupied the most important post Rich merchant and banking families made up the bourgeoisie.