UØBU Burguesia

Summary

This video explores the evolution of the bourgeoisie, beginning with its roots in the small cities (burgos) that emerged during the late Middle Ages due to the rise in trade. The bourgeoisie, initially consisting of merchants, gained wealth and mobility outside the traditional feudal landownership system. As the modern era progressed, they became a powerful class due to their economic influence and their relationship with monarchs, aiding in the creation of centralized states. The video highlights the social tensions between the bourgeoisie and the nobility, leading to the bourgeoisie's role in establishing pre-capitalist conditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The definition of 'bourgeoisie' has evolved over time and is linked to the rise of commerce in medieval Europe.
• 😀 The term 'bourgeoisie' originates from 'burgos,' which referred to small cities that emerged due to the rise of commercial activity.
• 😀 The bourgeoisie was initially a group of merchants and traders in growing cities during the late medieval period.
• 😀 The development of commerce created a new form of wealth, not based on land ownership, but on money.
• 😀 This shift in wealth allowed for social mobility, challenging the rigidity of the feudal system.
• 😀 The transition from the medieval to modern age saw the bourgeoisie become a key social class in the new political and economic landscape.
• 😀 The bourgeoisie sought a strong centralized government, which would help unify currency and reduce feudal taxes that hindered their trade.
• 😀 The bourgeoisie played a critical role in the development and strengthening of the modern state by supporting centralized power.
• 😀 Despite their wealth, the bourgeoisie were still considered inferior to the nobility due to their non-noble birth.
• 😀 The conflict between the nobility and bourgeoisie was often mediated by the king and lasted until the end of the modern age.
• 😀 By the end of the modern period, the bourgeoisie helped establish the preconditions for capitalist society.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the term 'bourgeoisie'?

The term 'bourgeoisie' is derived from 'burgos', which referred to small towns that emerged due to the rise in commercial activity during the late Middle Ages.

How did the resurgence of commercial relations in Europe during the late Middle Ages influence the rise of the bourgeoisie?

The resurgence of commercial relations, particularly after the Crusades, led to the emergence of small cities where merchants and traders formed the bourgeoisie, a new and important social group.

What role did trade play in the formation of the bourgeoisie?

Trade played a central role in the formation of the bourgeoisie by generating a new form of wealth based on money, rather than land, marking a shift away from the feudal system.

How did the bourgeoisie impact social mobility?

The rise of the bourgeoisie enabled social mobility, which was previously impossible under the feudal system, as wealth accumulation allowed individuals to rise in status.

What changes occurred during the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age that helped the bourgeoisie rise?

The formation of nation-states and the establishment of strong central governments helped the bourgeoisie rise in importance, particularly through their relationships with monarchs and support for state centralization.

What was the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the monarchy?

The bourgeoisie maintained a favorable relationship with the monarchy, as they supported the creation of a strong central government and the unification of monetary systems, while seeking to escape the heavy taxes of the feudal system.

How did the monarchy benefit from the bourgeoisie?

The monarchy benefited from the bourgeoisie by receiving support for the centralization of power, which helped strengthen the state and develop the economy.

Why was the bourgeoisie still considered inferior despite their growing wealth and power?

The bourgeoisie was still considered inferior because they were not born into noble families, even though they gained social status through the acquisition of land, titles, and positions.

What conflict existed between the bourgeoisie and the nobility?

The conflict between the bourgeoisie and the nobility was driven by competition for social position and power, which was mediated by the king during the late medieval and early modern periods.

How did the bourgeoisie contribute to the establishment of pre-capitalist conditions?

The bourgeoisie played a key role in establishing pre-capitalist conditions through their involvement in commerce, the accumulation of wealth, and the shift away from the feudal economic system, paving the way for the development of capitalism.