Growth of TownsAim: Did the growth of towns lead to a better life for people in Europe

during the Middle Ages?

DO NOW• If you had a choice, would you prefer to live in a small town or a big

city? Explain your choice.

• Which place would provide you with a better life? Explain.

Part II: Introduction – Rise of Towns and Trade in Europe • After the Crusades, things were beginning to look up for the people of

Western Europe. • Europeans begin to interact, trade, and share ideas with the rest of the

world.• Improved agriculture allowed populations to grow• Feudal war and foreign invasions declined• People felt safer and traveled more• There was a rising demand for different and better goods and materials

Overall, why did towns and trade increase in Europe during the middle ages?

A New Social Class!• These merchants and artisans

were adventurous, curious and willing to take a chance. They were a new social class that did not fit into any of the traditional social categories of their time. Their jobs and lifestyles were different from those of the nobles and peasants of feudalism.

Guilds• Organizations for Protection and mutual aid• Prices were fixed• Prevented outside competition• High standards of quality• Restricted Membership

Apprentices + Journeyman• Training a new generation to be

masters of a trade.• An apprentice was sent to work for a

master during his youth to learn the trade and become a member of the guild.• Once he completed his training, he

became a journeyman who was then PAID!

Feelings Toward Merchants and Artisans

• The land-owning noble would look down upon the merchants and artisans with disrespect (but if strapped for cash, would still borrow money from them). The rural peasants were suspicious of this rapidly growing, financially successful group. The peasants considered buying and owning land the most successful goal of all, but that was not easily done in large towns and cities.

Activity – Note PassingDirections: Annotate and underline the main idea. Circle words you do not understand. For each passage, you and your group members will. (1 min each step).1. Respond to the question below the passage.2. Does this demonstrate a better life for people in Europe during the Middle Ages? Explain.3. State whether you agree or disagree and why.

Life in the Cities In order to protect from invaders, protective walls surrounded almost all towns and cities. There were always traders selling valuable goods inside a town. This would be tempting to the roaming gangs of thieves and looters who would be looking to make a quick profit. Visitors waited at the gates to gain entrance to the city or town. When the gates opened, guards inspected the goods to be brought in and collected taxes from their visitors.

Note Passing1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cities?

2. Does this demonstrate a better life for people in Europe during the Middle Ages? Explain.

3. Agree/Disagree + Why

Medieval Cities and TownsB - Space was limited in cities and buildings rose taller. Many buildings had second and third floors built over the streets. Streets were narrow and houses did not have much fresh air or light. Houses were made of wood and straw, so fire represented a constant danger and because houses were built so close together, fires spread rapidly.

Medieval Cities and TownsC - “There was no indoor plumbing in the Middle Ages, so it was common practice to dump out human waste onto the streets. When there was a narrow space between two buildings, planks were laid out, making a kind of outdoor dumping ground. Waste receptacles were emptied out in the window early in the morning, crying out “Gardy-loo”, meaning “Look out for the water!” The City Guard would later be made responsible for cleaning out the streets.”

The Medieval Merchant“The man who is thinking about being a trader must remember about the many dangers he will face during his travels. He will face danger in the sea and on the land and always be ready to interact with foreign groups of people. He must act carefully to never reveal too much about himself and never to offend others.” “When you are in a busy market town, always be polite and make others like you. You will then become friends with good men. If you are in a Christian city, rise early and go to church. When services are over, go out and look after your business. You must be careful to examine the goods you buy. They must be perfect and without flaws. Learn your numbers and be good in math to be successful.” “These are the things you must avoid: drinking, gambling and fighting. You must beware these like you would beware the devil himself.”

Exit TicketExit Ticket: Overall, did the rise of cities and towns improve life for people in Europe? Why or why not?