LESSON 7 AUTHORITARIAN MONARCHIES

VOCABULARY Break out: salir, estallar Harsh [ha:sh]: duro Make up: componer, maquillar, hacer

7.1. EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY The Recovery of the population –In the 14th century, Europe suffered a crisis [kraisis] 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

7.1. EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY Economic Growth –In the 15th and 16th centuries, the European economy expanded. Population also 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

7.1. EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY 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

7.1. EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY (…continue) –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.

7.1. 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 continue

7.1. EUROPE IN THE XVth CENTURY (continue…) –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

LINKS AND PHOTOS FOR MAPS – century/ century/ FOR RELIGIOUS WARS, Modern Age – c.htmlhttp:// c.html FOR XVIth Century –

ACTIVITIES Complete the sentences –The crisis in Europe at the end of the Middle Ages was casued 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