Renascimento Comercial e Urbano - Brasil Escola

Summary

In this video, Professor Natália Freitas explores the commercial and urban renaissance during the late Middle Ages, highlighting its roots in the Crusades. She explains how the increased trade routes, especially through Italian cities like Genoa and Venice, revitalized commerce and the rise of cities. The growth of urban areas led to the monetization of relationships, advancements in agriculture, and the formation of guilds and corporations. Additionally, the formation of the Hanseatic League is discussed, contributing to trade monopolies in Northern Europe. The video emphasizes the importance of these developments in shaping modern European economies.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Commercial and Urban Renaissance began in Europe during the Late Middle Ages and was a direct consequence of the Crusades.
• 😀 The term 'renaissance' is misleading because it suggests commerce and cities had disappeared, which was not the case.
• 😀 Since the 10th century, trade gained momentum in Europe, particularly through Italian cities like Genoa and Venice, which were key trade hubs.
• 😀 Products such as ivory, coffee, and spices from the East were vital to the growth of European trade routes.
• 😀 The trade boost led to the rise of permanent fairs and new trade routes, contributing to increased artisanal activities in regions like Flanders and the Baltic coast.
• 😀 Many serfs began to flee to cities for better opportunities, which led to the idea that city life made people 'free.'
• 😀 The flight of serfs also prompted feudal lords to lease their lands for monetary payment, helping create a monetized economy and boosted agricultural production.
• 😀 Key agricultural advances during this period included the heavy plow, crop rotation, and better ox harnessing techniques, which contributed to surplus production.
• 😀 As towns grew, walled cities known as 'Burgos' emerged, where merchants and artisans (the bourgeoisie) lived and worked.
• 😀 These cities gained political autonomy through 'charters of franchise,' leading to the formation of craft guilds and corporations that regulated work and trade standards.
• 😀 A maritime league called the 'Hanseatic League' formed in Northern Europe, establishing laws for trade and contributing to a commercial monopoly in the region.
• 😀 The rise in trade and commerce in these cities led to the creation of the first European banks, offering credits, checks, and helping manage the growing bourgeois society.

Q & A

What is the Renascimento Comercial e Urbano, and when did it begin?

The Renascimento Comercial e Urbano (Commercial and Urban Renaissance) began in Europe during the Low Middle Ages, particularly from the 10th century. It was driven by the expansion of trade and urban growth, influenced by the Crusades.

Why is the term 'Renaissance' not an entirely accurate description for this period?

The term 'Renaissance' suggests that commerce and cities had disappeared, which is not true. Trade and urban life were still present before, but they gained new momentum due to the Crusades and other factors.

What role did the Crusades play in the Commercial and Urban Renaissance?

The Crusades significantly boosted trade in Europe, particularly with products from the East, such as ivory, coffee, and spices, which led to the expansion of commercial routes and the growth of cities.

Which Italian cities were important during this period, and why?

Italian cities like Genoa and Venice were crucial because they were central hubs for trade, acting as key points on commercial routes that connected Europe with the East.

How did the increased trade impact artisan activities in Europe?

The growth in trade and commerce led to an increase in artisan activities, particularly in regions like Flanders and the Baltic coast, where craftsmanship became more widespread.

What were the social implications of the rise of trade and cities during this period?

As cities grew, many serfs fled from the feudal system in search of freedom in urban areas. This migration contributed to the development of a new social class: the bourgeoisie, composed of merchants and artisans.

What was the significance of the 'Carta de Franquia' during the Commercial Renaissance?

The 'Carta de Franquia' was a charter that granted autonomy to cities, allowing them to govern themselves. This helped shape the political structure of cities and promoted economic growth.

What were 'corporations of crafts' and how did they function?

Corporations of crafts were associations of artisans who organized themselves to regulate their trade, establish rules for production, and ensure fair competition. For example, a shoemakers' corporation would establish guidelines for making and selling shoes.

What was the 'Liga Hanseática,' and what role did it play in this period?

The 'Liga Hanseática' was a commercial league in northern Europe that established laws for maritime trade. It monopolized trade in the region, contributing to the economic power of its member cities.

How did the Commercial Renaissance contribute to the creation of early European banks?

As trade expanded and monetary transactions became more common, the need for financial institutions grew. This led to the creation of the first banks in Europe, which provided services like credit and managing transactions for the emerging bourgeois class.