Venice – A great city-state of its time City state - An independent state consisting of a sovereign city and its surrounding territory

Understand that: City states have: Strengths they must develop carefully in order to prosper. Challenges they have to overcome in order to survive. To adapt to regional and global changes in order to survive.

Modern Venice

SINGAPORE VENICE

Venice viewed from space. Venice is a group of 117 islands connected to one another by 378 bridges. It is linked to Italy by railway and a causeway. The thin line of the road/rail causeway is visible connecting it to the mainland.

2. How did Venice rise between the 9 th and 15 th centuries 2.1 Leadership 2.2 Reforms in the government 2.3 Trade developments and expansion 2.4 Industrial development 2.5 Innovative practices

2.1 Leadership Establishing control in the Adriatic Sea Doge Pietro II Orseolo felt that peace in the region would boost trade. He reconciled feuding cities, negotiated treaties with major powers and subdued pirates in Dalmatia.

2.1 Leadership Building the Venetian empire Doge Enrico Dandolo directed a campaign to overthrow the Byzantine Emperor and take over the capital at Constantinople. With the capture of Constantinople, Venice gained recognition from other states. It controlled some of the important territories which had belonged to the fallen Byzantine Empire.

2.1 Leadership Expanding the Venetian empire in the Mediterranean Sea Doge Pietro Ziani set up military outposts along important trade routes to protect Venetian vessels as trade competition increased.

2.2 Reforms in the government Meeting the challenges of a growing city-state Creation of the Great Council Created in the 12 th century to elect capable members to all the councils in the government. It settled disputes between members of different councils, passed laws, meted out punishments and granted pardons to criminals. Allow for more members in the government— more nobles can contributed and prevent any one family from dominating the govt. (which may lead to corruption

2.2 Reforms in the government Meeting the challenges of a growing city-state Specialisation of duties The Council of Forty was created to handle matters of law, finances and coinage. A 60-member Senate was added and took charge of matters concerning foreign relations, commerce and the operations of Venetian fleets. >> more efficient in handling trading>> increase trading>>increase profits made>>RISE!!!

2.2 Reforms in the government Maintaining checks and balances Effective checks on power In the 14 th century, the Doge, the six Ducal Councillors and the three Heads of the Council of Forty formed the Council of Ten. The Council of Ten monitored the activities of organisations and officials to ensure that there were no corrupt practices or abuse of power by the Doge or any high ranking official. Can even limit the power of the Doge.

2.2 Reforms in the government Maintaining checks and balances Preventing the concentration of power The Nominating Committee was added to the election process to identify suitable male candidates for all elected positions through the process of balloting. The purpose of balloting as to prevent any individual or family from dominating the government.

2.3 Trade developments and expansion Attitude towards trade The Venetians were skilled diplomats and were able to obtain favourable trading terms such as having lower tax rates than their competitors. They were also able to bring in highly-prized spices from the East. They also possessed an enterprising spirit and explored new trade routes, supplies and markets by travelling to unknown lands. >>they were able to obtain new opportunities to get new goods which were uncommon in Europe and sell them at high prices.>>high profits

2.3 Trade developments and expansion Innovations in maritime technology With their extensive knowledge of shipbuilding, the Venetians designed and built superior vessels to meet their sailing needs. This meant that the merchant and battle fleets were able to travel further, thus facilitating the expansion of trade and territorial control.

2.3 Trade developments and expansion Efficiency in managing voyages The Senate organised and monitored the schedule of trade voyages. It also grouped the traders and ordered them to travel in convoys as it was more profitable to trade in larger quantities.

2.3 Trade developments and expansion Overcoming trade competition The main trade competitor Venice faced was Genoa, which was also dependent on maritime trade. Venice and Genoa had a conflict of political and commercial interests which resulted in many wars. Venice defeated Genoa in the late 14 th century and were able to control the Mediterranean Sea. This brought them more international trade.

2.3 Trade developments and expansion Trade monopoly After Venice defeated Genoa, it gained monopoly in the Mediterranean region. Venice was able to provide a larger variety of goods from the East as its navy dominated the region. The European states had very little choice other than to buy them from Venice. >>leading to high profits

2.4 Industrial development Trade-related industry Around 1100, all the shipbuilders were centralised at a new location, known as the Arsenal.>>increased efficiency>>a boost to the shipbuilding industry When the demand for great galleys increased in the 13 th century, the Arsenal was expanded to facilitate production. Eventually, the Arsenal became the backbone of Venice’s maritime industry and power.

2.4 Industrial development Manufacturing industries As Venetians gained more wealth, it led to an increase in the demand for goods which promoted the growth of manufacturing industries.(examples were glass ornaments) New industries began to emerge, and more jobs were created for the people( Venetians). This attracted skilled craftsmen from other parts of Europe to work in Venice. >>Venice’s trade in these manufacturing industries attracted business all over Europe>> more profits

2.5 Innovative practices Double-entry bookkeeping Developed a useful system to record business transactions through the standardisation of the credit and debit columns, and entries which are recorded by dates. >> a very organised and structured system which make trading easier and reduce incidence of corruption Giro-banking Make or receive payments through an account in a bank. >> ease of payment will attract foreign traders to do business with Venice>>more trade>> more profit