chapter 26 questions

1) What led to the growth and development of Venice's trade?

Venice became a leading port and many of its citizens became fulltime merchants. Venetain merchants learned to read and write, use money, and keep records. In time, they developed an effective banking system.

2) How did the location of Flanders help it become an important trading center?

Because the rivers linked together before heading out to the north sea

3) What were Fairs?

Merchants traveling along the chief rout through eastern France stopped to trade with each other at special gatherings called Fairs.

4) Who sponsored fairs and why?

Nobles who collected taxes on sales. Because they got money out of it.

5) How did most towns develop in the Middle Ages?

They Generally chose places along trade routes near waterways or road crossings. They also tried to settle close to a castle or monastery. This helped protect them from robbers and fights between nobles. The merchants surrounded their settlements with high stake fences and moats. Most towns of the Middle Ages developed from these Merchant settlements.

6) What was the Black Death?  How many people died from it?

During the 1300s, diseased rats came to Europe on trading ships from the Middle East. They carried with them a plague called the “Black Death.” Nearly 25 million lives.

7) What changes did burghers want to make in feudal laws?

They didn’t want to get permission from the nobles to get married. They wanted more freedom.