At the end of the Middle Ages, mainly during the 15th century, merchants, artisans, and bankers from the North of Italy became very wealthy thanks to the connection to the Eastern trade routes that they had access to after the Crusades. They took advantage of their strategical position to exchange mainly spices, silk, gold, and other goods from the Middle East, India, and China and sell them to the rest of Europe. All this wealth granted them independence from feudal lords and from the Church and gave them a great economic and political power. They used this independence and power to satisfy their curiosity and their taste for fine arts.
Therefore, many families of bankers and merchants, like the Medici of Florence, became patrons of artists and scientists, who developed a totally new current of art and a new philosophical perspective. Architects like Brunelleschi, painters and sculptors like Michelangelo, and scientists and engineers like Leonardo Da Vinci, were inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman splendor in philosophy and arts in order to create a new artistic and humanistic movement: the Renaissance.
At the same time, the Renaissance was boosted by the marvels they got from the trade with Eastern markets: Arab astrolabes that allowed them to improve the navigation of the seas; gunpowder from China that permitted them to create new weapons; Persian medicine treaties; and inks to paint fine clothes, among other stuff. The Renaissance was the last period of the Middle Ages and the first stage of the modern era.
Trade greatly encouraged the development of the Renaissance because it allowed for ideas that originated in Italy to be spread to other parts of Europe--mainly through word-of-mouth and cultural diffusion. Silk and other goods were very important in Europe.
EXPLANATION
Trade greatly encouraged the development of the Renaissance because it allowed ideas from other countries (Italy) to be spread to other countries in Europe. This distribution was most effective through word of mouth and cultural diffusion. Considering that time the need for silk and other items was very important in Europe.
Italy is the most strategic country. Italy is close to the sea and in coordinates close to Europe and Asia. Many Italian cities like Venice began to become trading cities. Merchant ships deliver goods to Britain, Scandinavia, and the Soviet Union, which is currently named Russia. Cities along the trade route also began to grow. These cities provide lodging, restaurants and other services for traders.
During the Renaissance, people used coins to buy kinds of stuff and goods that created an economy based on the money system. Currency exchange was needed to equalize one type of currency to another so that new professions such as craftsmen, traders and bankers emerge. Craftsmen produce goods to be traded. Bankers created an economic ecosystem by exchanging currencies, debts, and capital.
Some craftsmen, traders, and bankers became very rich. They were able to make the city more beautiful. These people also contributed to protecting the Renaissance by providing art buildings and establishing universities.
LEARN MORE
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:
- How were the Italian Renaissance and the northern Renaissance similar? https://brainly.com/question/2226422
KEYWORD: Renaissance, trade, Europe.
Subject: History
Class: 10 - 12
Subchapter: Renaissance
