Trade Creates a New Wealthy Class
This Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive explains how growing trade at the end of the Middle Ages created a new wealthy mercantile class that set the stage for the Renaissance, covered in Chapter 8: The Renaissance and Reformation. Students learn how feudalism's decline and the rise of commerce in cities shifted wealth from land to trade.
Key Concepts
Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the old system of feudalism began to decline. At the same time, trade with other parts of the world increased. This shift meant that wealth was no longer based only on owning land.
As commerce grew, cities became larger and more powerful. A new, wealthy mercantile class of merchants and bankers emerged in these urban centers. This group had the money and influence to shape society in new ways, setting the stage for the Renaissance.
Common Questions
How did trade create a new wealthy class during the Renaissance?
As feudalism declined and trade with other parts of the world increased, wealth was no longer based only on land ownership. Cities grew larger and a new mercantile class of merchants and bankers emerged with the money and influence to shape society.
What was the mercantile class and why was it important?
The mercantile class was a new, wealthy group of merchants and bankers that emerged in growing cities as trade expanded at the end of the Middle Ages. Their wealth and influence helped fund and inspire the Renaissance.
How did the decline of feudalism contribute to the Renaissance?
As feudalism declined, power and wealth were no longer tied exclusively to land ownership. Growing trade created new wealthy city dwellers whose money and cultural interests helped fund Renaissance art and ideas.
What chapter covers the rise of the mercantile class in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7?
Trade creating a new wealthy class is covered in Chapter 8: The Renaissance and Reformation in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 7.
How did cities grow as a result of trade expansion?
As commerce grew, cities became larger and more powerful centers of activity. A new mercantile class of merchants and bankers rose in these urban centers, with the wealth and influence to shape society and set the stage for the Renaissance.