venice: rise and fall of a great city-state

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In this chapter you will learn about

• Venice: An Introduction to the City-State• The reasons for Venice’s rise to greatness• The reasons for Venice’s eventual fall• Lessons that Singapore can learn from the history of Venice

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BACKGROUND – EUROPE and VENICE:

- Before 5th century AD: Political Instability in Europe- 5th to 9th centuries AD: Establishment of Venice as a city state- 9th and 15th centuries – Rise of Venice- 15th and 18th centuries - Fall of Venice

BACKGROUND – EUROPE and VENICE:

- Before 5th century AD: Political Instability in Europe- 5th to 9th centuries AD: Establishment of Venice as a city state- 9th and 15th centuries – Rise of Venice- 15th and 18th centuries - Fall of Venice

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Political Setting in Europe [Before 5th Century AD] : Decline of the Roman Empire and Emergence of Venice

-1st Century AD, Roman Empire, the only major empire in Europe declined due to:external threats, internal threats and poor economic growth.- Roman Empire divided into Western and Eastern Roman Empires to manage the problems.Western Roman Empire:- Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD due to:constant conflicts with Germanic tribes from Central and Eastern Europe-Spilt into many kingdoms that frequently fought with one another

Eastern Roman Empire [Byzantine Empire]-Survived due to good geographical position – could control trade in the Adriatic Sea and the Middle East- Faced constant attacks from Germanic tribes from its west and from the Muslim kingdoms in the east

Political Setting in Europe [Before 5th Century AD] : Decline of the Roman Empire and Emergence of Venice

-1st Century AD, Roman Empire, the only major empire in Europe declined due to:external threats, internal threats and poor economic growth.- Roman Empire divided into Western and Eastern Roman Empires to manage the problems.Western Roman Empire:- Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD due to:constant conflicts with Germanic tribes from Central and Eastern Europe-Spilt into many kingdoms that frequently fought with one another

Eastern Roman Empire [Byzantine Empire]-Survived due to good geographical position – could control trade in the Adriatic Sea and the Middle East- Faced constant attacks from Germanic tribes from its west and from the Muslim kingdoms in the east

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- Refugees from the Roman Empires fled and settled in marshy swamps located in Northern Italy at the tip of the Adriatic Sea

Geography of Venice:-Located in Northern Italy. Consisted of clusters of small islands [about 120] about 3 km from the mainland.-These islands are in a lagoon and protected from the strong currents of the Adriatic Sea by larger islands in the south- Many salt marshes in the lagoon – salt became a profitable resource for Venice -Strategically located at the tip of the Adriatic Sea and therefore able to control trade in the Adriatic and Black Seas and the Middle East -Protection from strong currents and availability of salt led to the early rise of Venice

- Refugees from the Roman Empires fled and settled in marshy swamps located in Northern Italy at the tip of the Adriatic Sea

Geography of Venice:-Located in Northern Italy. Consisted of clusters of small islands [about 120] about 3 km from the mainland.-These islands are in a lagoon and protected from the strong currents of the Adriatic Sea by larger islands in the south- Many salt marshes in the lagoon – salt became a profitable resource for Venice -Strategically located at the tip of the Adriatic Sea and therefore able to control trade in the Adriatic and Black Seas and the Middle East -Protection from strong currents and availability of salt led to the early rise of Venice

Venice’s Beginning

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Life of Early Settlers:- Became seafarers because of the make up of Venice – made up of small islets with little land for agriculture.-Established fishing villages and main occupation were fishing, salt production and making crafts especially shipbuilding.-Dependent on the mainland for food and raw materials

Economic Activities:-Monopolised the salt trade in the region because of their knowledge of salt production-Exchanged salt and fish for food with people in the mainland especially those living by the Po River-Established trade agreements with these communities and dominated region around the river mouth and its surrounding mainland- These agreements allowed Venetians access to the forested areas in the mainland where they got wood for trading and shipbuilding-Being skilled shipbuilders helped Venice expand its trade to the Middle East to obtain valuable goods like spices, gold and incense in exchange for wood.-Venice became a strong trade power by the 7th century in the Adriatic Sea region and offered protection to Byzantine Empire’s territories along the Italian shores.

Life of Early Settlers:- Became seafarers because of the make up of Venice – made up of small islets with little land for agriculture.-Established fishing villages and main occupation were fishing, salt production and making crafts especially shipbuilding.-Dependent on the mainland for food and raw materials

Economic Activities:-Monopolised the salt trade in the region because of their knowledge of salt production-Exchanged salt and fish for food with people in the mainland especially those living by the Po River-Established trade agreements with these communities and dominated region around the river mouth and its surrounding mainland- These agreements allowed Venetians access to the forested areas in the mainland where they got wood for trading and shipbuilding-Being skilled shipbuilders helped Venice expand its trade to the Middle East to obtain valuable goods like spices, gold and incense in exchange for wood.-Venice became a strong trade power by the 7th century in the Adriatic Sea region and offered protection to Byzantine Empire’s territories along the Italian shores.


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Venetian Society:-Over time, a few families became very wealthy and politically influential due to trade.-The rest of the population consisted of merchants, fishermen, craftsmen, salt harvesters and artisans (a skilled manual worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewellery, household items, and tools)

-But there was social stability because:i] efforts were made to ensure that the rich do not show off their wealth – they could only decorate the interior of their houses not the exterior

ii] each islet had its own town centre where the market and church were located. This was the place both the rich and poor gathered for celebrations and provided opportunities for them to interact and build neighbourliness [Common Space?]iii] the Venetians had a strong sense of belonging due to their history.

Venetian Society:-Over time, a few families became very wealthy and politically influential due to trade.-The rest of the population consisted of merchants, fishermen, craftsmen, salt harvesters and artisans (a skilled manual worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewellery, household items, and tools)

-But there was social stability because:i] efforts were made to ensure that the rich do not show off their wealth – they could only decorate the interior of their houses not the exterior

ii] each islet had its own town centre where the market and church were located. This was the place both the rich and poor gathered for celebrations and provided opportunities for them to interact and build neighbourliness [Common Space?]iii] the Venetians had a strong sense of belonging due to their history.


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Venetian System of Government:

-Vassal state of the Byzantine Empire but had freedom to choose their own leaders

-It was an Aristocratic Republic – Rich members of society were elected its rulers

-Early Venetian government was a three-tiered structure from 8th – 10th century – Will change after this to meet the needs of a growing city-state

Venetian System of Government:

-Vassal state of the Byzantine Empire but had freedom to choose their own leaders

-It was an Aristocratic Republic – Rich members of society were elected its rulers

-Early Venetian government was a three-tiered structure from 8th – 10th century – Will change after this to meet the needs of a growing city-state


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Venice System of Government: Three - Tiered Government Struture

• Doge – Leader appointed for life• Ducal Council – Two advisors who assisted the

Doge. Selected men suitable to be the Doge• General Assembly – elected the Doge and

passed laws on issues like trade and housing

Leader

Assists Doge and selects suitable men to be Doge

Elected the Doge and passed laws

Doge

General Assembly

Ducal Council

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Challenges Faced by Early Venetians:

1] Piracy - Increased piracy in the Adriatic Sea when the Byzantine Empire

declined in the 10th century and could not offer protection to Venice.- Piracy threatened Venice’s trade- Venice did not have a strong navy then – paid yearly tributes to pirates

not to attack Venetian ships along the Adriatic Sea and also arranged for Venetian ships to travel in convoys for safety.

2] Maintaining Good Diplomatic Relations with countries in rivalry

- It was a vassal state of the Byzantine Empire but established good relations with their rivals, the Germanic tribes in order to continue in its role as middleman in the trade between the East and the West

- Kept friendly relations with rival mainland states to get favourable trade conditions and to expand its trade.

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Significance of Winged Lion

Why a lion when Venice is a maritime city?

The winged lion was at first St. Mark’s symbol but was later used as a way of showing the power of Venice. Legend mentions that in the Ninth Century some Venetian thieves stole the remains of St. Mark the Apostle from Egypt. They smuggled the body onto the ship by stuffing flowers and meat around the body to keep onlookers away. A storm struck at sea. It was then that St. Mark “appeared” to the captain and warned him to strike the sails lest the ship crash on the rocks. They survived the storm and reached their destination. Local Venice religious authorities elected St. Mark as the patron saint of Venice and the winged lion (St. Mark’s traditional symbol) as the logo of the Venetian Republic.

The winged lion is a symbol of peace, power and prestige

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View Of VeniceView Of Venice

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Aerial View of Venice Today with a bridge linking it to the mainland

Bridge

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2] Reforms in the

Government

1] Leadership: Enterprising, forward – looking, practical and diplomatic Leadership

2b] To ensure effective checks on

Power

Political Reasons For Rise of Venice

2a] To meet the needs of a growing

city state

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1] diplomatic and practical Eg. Doge Pietro II Orseolo - maintained friendships with leaders in Europe like the Byzantine and Germanic rulers as well as the Muslim states in North Africa although there was enmity between the Christians and Muslims.- Put down the pirates in Dalmatia by cutting off salt supplies to cities controlled by the pirates.

Impact: As a result of the practical diplomatic relations, helped Venice remain peaceful and stable in its early years of development.-protected Venice independence and trade interests and helped Venice gain favourable trade deals which boosted Venice’s wealth making Venice powerful- Getting rid of piracy ensured safe trade passage for Venetiantraders and increased its wealth. - Venice established its control over the important

routes in the Adriatic Sea-

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2] forward-looking – anticipated changes in power developments in Europe and seized the opportunities to build up the Venetian Empire

Eg. Doge Enrico Dandolo decided to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire when it was weakening in the 12th century although at one point of time they had friendly relations

Impact: -With this conquest and capture, Venice controlled some of theimportant territories controlled by the Byzantine Empire which were important for trade enabling Venice to rise.-Venice gained recognition from other states for its conquest of the once powerful Byzantine Empire. This helped Venice obtain favourable trading terms- Venice became the most powerful country in the region

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3] very enterprising – took steps to expand Venice as a majormaritime empire through conquests and control of important routes in the Mediterranean SeaEg. Doge Pietro Ziani led many missions to conquer and control important territories along the Mediterranean Sea to strengthen Venice’s maritime trade in the face of increasing trade competition

Impact: -As a result, this helped strengthen Venice’s maritime trade in the face of increasing trade competition -Venice trade expanded and it obtained more wealth that contributed to its rise as a maritime empire.

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Doge’s Palace

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Reforms in the Government- Reforms were introduced to the structure of the governmentfrom the 12th century to:A] Meet the needs of a growing city-state.Eg. In addition to the Doge, Ducal Council and General Assembly,the i] Great Council was created to:- Elect capable members to all councils in the government-Pass laws and settle disputes between different councils- provide more opportunities for members from influentialfamilies to participate in deciding Venice’s future so as to reduce rivalry among the nobles that would destabilize the government

ii] The Council of Forty was created in the 13th Century to handle law and finances as Venice grew

iii] 60 member Senate was added to handle foreign affairs and trade matters because of expansion of trade and increased diplomatic ties

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Reforms were also made in the government to:

B] Ensure effective checks on power and to prevent concentration of power

Eg I] Council of Ten was formed in the 14th Century to:

a] prevent corruption and abuse of power - any official, including the Doge, found guilty would be arrested and plots to threaten the government would be crushed.

II] The Nominating Committee was added to the election process to:

-identify suitable male candidates for elected posts through balloting not favouritism to ensure fairness and to prevent any one individual or family from gaining too much influence in the government.

- ensure no nominee could campaign for support to prevent rivalry among the candidates and to ensure that the candidates were elected based on their ability and not personal favour.

- ensure that elected candidates did not reject their appointments so that all positions of responsibility in the government were filled up by the best candidates.

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Impact: - Fairness in selection and greater opportunities to participate in governing Venice, prevented rivalry among the nobles to serve in the government which coulddestabilize the government

- checks on power avoided dominance by anyone person

- corrupt practices were checked and uprisings crushed leading to greater confidence in the government and support from locals and foreigners leading to peace and stability

-Venice is stable and organised and this would lead to increase in trade and wealth

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Trade Developments and

Expansion

Innovative and

Enterprising Trade

Practices

Industrial Development

Economic Reasons for Rise of Venice

1] Venetians’ attitude towards

Trade

2] Innovations in Maritime Technology

3] Efficiency in managing trade voyages

4] Overcoming trade competition

5] Trade Monopoly

1] Giro Banking

2] Double-Entry Bookkeeping

1] Shipbuilding Industry

2] Manufacturing industries

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a] Venetians were skilled diplomats and enterprising

-They were motivated by profits and they used their diplomatic skills to obtain many favourable trading terms from the countries they traded with like lower tax rates-They were also enterprising and brought new products from the East eg. spices from that were in demand in Europe

Impact: - Able to maintain a competitive edge over their trade competitors like Genoa and bring wealth to Venice ?

1] Attitude towards trade

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b] The Venetians were adventurous and courageous:- ventured to distant lands to seek new marketsand supplies eg. Marco Polo and family- traveled north to Greenland, east to Indian Ocean and south to Africa - also went to Arab states and Far East to trade

Impact: -able to find new opportunities and obtain profitable and exotic trade items - stayed ahead in the trade competition and Venice became one of the greatest cities in Europe- its connections brought traders from various countries to Venice to trade boosting Venice’s wealth.

1] Attitude towards trade

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Travels of Marco Polo

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2] Innovations in Maritime Technology

a] Venetians were adaptable-Made use of advances in maritime technology to improve navigation and defence in the seas eg. made use of inventions of the compass and nautical charts to conduct voyages in winter.

Impact: -Able to dominate trade in the Mediterranean Sea throughoutthe year giving it an advantage over its competitors-Increased frequency of trade meant it could earn moreprofits and become wealthy and thus powerful.

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Innovations in Maritime Technology

b] They were creative

-Designed and built the kind of ships they needed to conduct voyages over long distances in harsh weather conditions.

Eg. they built ships that used both oarsmen and sails. Ships were thus not dependent on wind alone to sail

-Built galleys in the 13th century which were both merchant and war ships. The galleys were used for defence purposes when needed and could be used to transport more goods for trade.

Impact: - Merchant and battle fleets were able to travel further as the ships were not dependent on wind to sail. - Venetians were able to expand their trade and territorial control.- Galleys in the ships discouraged pirates from launching attacks on Venetian trading ships making the passage of Venetian traders safer

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3] Efficiency in managing voyages a] Venetians were efficient.

-The Senate set up an effective management system

-Monitored and organised the schedule of trade voyages

- Grouped and ordered traders to travel in convoys to trade in

larger quantities for greater profits.

Impact: - The efficiency of the system meant that Venice was able to expand its trade into many regions and increase its profits

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4] Overcoming Trade Competition

a] Venetians were tenacious [Steadfast]

- Willing to fight many wars with their main trade rival Genoa to defend its trade.

- Venice and Genoa often fought in the open seas and rivalry between them led to many wars.

- Venice managed to defeat Genoa in the late 14th century

Impact: - With Genoa’s defeat, Venice got rid of its main trade rival.

- This allowed it to have complete control of trade in the Mediterranean Sea bringing them more international trade.

- With more wealth, Venice power grew.

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5] Trade Monopoly- Venice was well located at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea - Central and Southern Europe depended on it for goods from the

East like spices, sugar and diamonds- Venetian traders went to Arabian ports like Alexandria and

Hormuz using overland and sea routes to sell these goods to other European states at a high price.

- The other European states had no choice but to buy from Venice because its navy dominated the region

Impact:

- Trade monopoly helped Venetian traders earn huge profits and allowed Venice to dominate trade in the area over its rivals

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Central and Southern Europe

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Innovative and Enterprising Trade PracticesInnovative and Enterprising Trade Practices

- The Venetians had innovative trade practices that were responsive to the needs of traders.- There were large numbers of foreign traders – Venice focused on trade services e.g. banking, insurance, money-exchange, credit banking with giro-banking, state bank to avoid banking from collapsing

Impact: - efficient and convenient financial and insurance services as well as government’s involvement attracted more traders to Venice increasing Venice’s trade and wealth.- Venice was able to keep up with the times due to willingness to adapt to changes allowing it to remain wealthy and powerful.

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a] Manufacturing Industries

- Venetians were enterprising

- Diversified into manufacturing industries such as glassmaking, candles and scented soap to meet the demand for consumer goods as Venice prospered.

- Venice also diversified into the printing industry to serve the large reading public

Impact:

-More jobs were created for the people and Venice continued to prosper.

-Skilled craftsmen from other parts of Europe came and settled in Venice resulting in the growth of a variety of high quality manufactured goods that Venice could sell.

- Venice continued to become powerful as its wealth increased through diversification into manufacturing.

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Venetian Glassware and Printing Industry

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b] Shipbuilding Industry

- Venetians were adaptable and responsive to circumstances of the times

Eg. Built the Arsenal so that shipbuilding industries like ship design, outfitting, maintenance and production of galleys could be centralised at one location.

Impact:

-The Arsenal became the backbone

of Venetian maritime empire

and power as it supported Venetian

voyages

A view of an entrance of the Arsenal

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Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15thth century] – A century] – A Maritime Empire with:Maritime Empire with:

1] Territorial Possessions

-Had many territories along the trade routes

- Territories were obtained from its defeat of the Byzantine Empire and its defeat of pirates in the region

Impact:

- Territorial possessions allowed Venetian ships to stop over to replenish supplies and acted as rest stations for crew

- Territories obtained from the Byzantine Empire helped Venice strengthen its maritime authority in the Mediterranean Sea

- Defeat of the pirates gave Venice full control of the Adriatic Sea

- Venice therefore established its dominant commercial power and earned the title, “Queen of the Adriatic Sea.”

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2] Social Transformation

-Wealthiest state in Europe

- Venetian society became more diverse and cosmopolitan as a result of the mass arrival of foreigners.

- Foreign traders and merchants were attracted to come and stay in Venice as a result of the efficiency of trade

- Venice also provided incentives like housing and citizenship to attract foreign talent to work and live in the country to sustain its commercial activities in the face of labour shortage.

Impact:

- Venice became cosmopolitan and were able to attract highly skilled craftsmen to sustain its development.

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3] Artistic Achievements

- The skilled craftsmen and artists that came to work and live in Venice helped transform it into a centre of the arts in Europe.

-Venice became famous for its mosaic art

Impact:

-Attracted rich nobles from other European countries to Venice to admire the great works of art in the country

- This increased its reputation and wealth making it powerful.

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4] Scientific and Literary Developments:

-Trade exposed Venetians to knowledge in other parts of the world and increased interest in the sciences

- Nobles from other parts of Europe attended universities in Venice to learn more about the sciences

- From the 14th century, the government provided funds to attract distinguished professors.

- Academics from Venice were also sent to other countries to gain knowledge and then share their knowledge

Impact:

-Venice developed into a centre of learning in Europe

- Attracted academic talent to Venice and increased Venice reputation as a centre of learning.

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5] Economic Prosperity:

-Skilled craftsmen were well paid in Venice.

- Guilds were created to ensure job security and high standards and quality of the goods produced.

Impact:

-Venetian goods were of high quality and were in great demand

- The high demand led to increased trade and the Venetians getting higher incomes and better standards of living.

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Venice At the Height Of Its Power – Artistic Achievements

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Venetian Ceiling Details

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Venice as a Centre of the Arts

- more time and money to spend on leisure - famous for architecture, paintings and mosaic- Giovanni Bellini: among earliest artists to use oil painting in artwork

- more time and money to spend on leisure - famous for architecture, paintings and mosaic- Giovanni Bellini: among earliest artists to use oil painting in artwork

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Good Leadership Reforms in the

Government: to adapt to

changes Maintain checks

and balances

Good Leadership Reforms in the

Government: to adapt to

changes Maintain checks

and balances

Trade DevelopmentsInnovative and Enterprising Trade practicesIndustrial Development

Trade DevelopmentsInnovative and Enterprising Trade practicesIndustrial Development

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Europe between 15th – 18th CPolitical Instability in Europe

- Conflicts among the states in Europe for greater resources and territories as trade competition increased.

The Black Death- plague in Europe that killed many people and reduced the population in Europe significantly

- Food production was also affected

Impact:- Venice was faced with these new challenges in the 15th

century- They did not respond well to the changing

circumstances and that led to their decline.

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External Factors

Internal Factors

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1] The Ottoman Empire

2] Maritime Competition

Discovery of New Sea Routes

External Factors for Decline

of Venice

1]Foreign Threats

2] Involvement

in the mainland

3] The League Of Cambrai

New Trade Rivals

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Foreign Threats

- The Ottoman Empire originated from Turkey

- Powerful in Middle East and North Africa and replaced Genoa as Venice’s greatest trade rival by the 15th century.

- Expanded rapidly from the Middle East into Europe both by land and sea.

- Captured many of Venice’s coastal territories in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas and launched attacks against Venetian ships and territories from there.

- Venetians were forced to use their merchant fleet as naval ships to fight the Ottomans - Venetians fought many wars with the Ottomans to maintain their control of the Adriatic Sea eg. Ottomans fought a 7 year war with the Venetians in the 15th century for control of the Aegean and Adriatic seas


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Foreign Threats

- In the 15th century, the Venetians tried to strike a balance of power with the Ottomans and their European neighbours at the same time.

Eg. To protect its commercial interests, Venice would give concessions to the Ottomans when necessary. Later, they would get military aid from the European powers to fight the Ottomans to defend their territories

- This insensitive action made the European countries resent Venice and in 1463, they left Venice to fight on their own against the Ottomans.

- Venice lost a very important Eastern trade outposts in the Mediterranean to the Ottomans.


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Foreign Threats

Impact- The use of the merchant ships as naval ships led to disruption of trade leading to loss of profits for Venice.

- The long wars with the Ottoman Empire for control of the Adriatic and Aegean Seas in the 15th century drained Venice’s resources and manpower and disrupted trade leading to loss of wealth.

-Loss of coastal territories and the loss of the important Eastern trade outposts in the Mediterranean to the Ottomans affected Venetian traders as Ottomans imposed high tariffs on Venetian traders in the ports they controlled. Venice’s trade profits and wealth were greatly reduced.

- Venice was greatly weakened.


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Ottoman Empire

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Foreign Threats

2] Involvement in the mainland

-Venice depended on the mainland territories for essential resources like food and water.- Venice needed to maintain these supplies for its growing population and expanding industries.- To protect its trade interests, Venice got involved in the political rivalry in the mainland.- It took advantage of the rivalries among the European countries in the mainland by offering to help fight one against the other to protect its own interests.

Eg. Venice switched alliances between large rival states like France and Spain when the occasion suited its interests.

-Venice act of switching alliances with different rival groups in the mainland caused these mainland countries not to trust Venice - Venice therefore faced threats of being attacked by any of them.

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Foreign Threats

Impact

-Venice’s involvement in the mainland drained Venice’s financial and manpower resources as it had to employ a mercenary army to fight its battles due to is small population.

- It was constantly at risk of being attacked by larger states because they distrusted Venice as it constantly switched alliances to suit their interests.

- Constant wars in the mainland also affected Venice’s overland commercial routes as it made the overland trade route unsafe.

- Venice depended on these commercial crossroads for trade and wealth.

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Foreign Threats

3] The League of Cambrai- Other states in the mainland grew jealous of Venice’s prosperity and growing power and influence over Northern Itlay.

- They were also unhappy with Venice insensitive diplomatic relations in the mainland.

- Decided to form an alliance in 1508 to destroy Venice and take over its territories. This alliance was known as the League of Cambrai.

- It consisted mainly of major powers in Europe like Spain, Hungary and France

- It defeated Venice at the Battle of Agnadello and captured many of its territories

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Foreign Threats

3] The League of Cambrai

Impact- With large states like France and Spain forming an alliance, Venice was faced with a massive threat

-The cost of the wars with the League drained and weakened Venice resources as it had to raise taxes to finance the employment of its mercenary armies as well as to replenish its supply of weapons

-The defeat of Venice at Agnadello cost it to lose many territories and greatly weakened its military strength.

- Although Venice managed to recapture some of its territories through new alliances with some states, the cost of wars led a blow to its prosperity.

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League of Cambrai

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Maritime CompetitionMaritime Competition1] Discovery of New Sea Routes - Many European states were exploring new sea routes for trade purposes. The Portuguese Vasco Da Gama travelled round the Cape of Good Hope in Africa to reach Callicut in India, a thriving spice centre – found new sea route to India and the East.-could bypass Venice-controlled territories to buy their spices directly from India- Portuguese captured key areas the East in Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean

Impact- Venice monopoly of the profitable spice trade destroyed - Portuguese provided competition for Venice and reduced its profits which the Venetian traders had earned for centuries. - Lost its important position as middlemen between the East and the West - no more the main sea power in Europe

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Discovery of New Sea Routes Discovery of New Sea Routes

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However, Venice was still able to survive economically as:- The Venetians were diversifying into manufacturing such as glassware which were highly profitable and were in high demand from both the East and West.- Venetians were also creative and innovative in creating and developing trade-related services such as banking and financial services.- Venice continued to function as a trade centre in the western Mediterranean Sea and continued to be the main supplier of Mediterranean goods such as wine, raisins and Persian silk to cities like Lisbon in Portugal.

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2] Competition from New Trade Rivals- Venice’s trade rivals during the end of the 16th century were the English and the Dutch - The British set up the English East India Company (EIC) in 1600. The Dutch set up the Dutch East India Company (VOC)In 1602:- The British and the Dutch successfully negotiated for trading rights in new ports.- They took the role of bringing goods from the East and Middle East to Europe bypassing the Venetian traders

- The Dutch and the British had better-designed ships.

- Venice impose a protectionist policy by placing higher taxeson foreign traders.

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Impact-Venice position as an entrepot port was badly affected by these new competitors

- Venice was able to imitate the design of the ships used by the British and the Dutch but their sailors did not have the skills to operate them.

-Venice protectionist policy in its ports did not attract tradersas it proved to be too costly to trade with the Venetians.

-Venice became less popular as a port of call and it began to lose some of its trading partners resulting in economic losses.

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Corruption in the Government

Over-dependence on Mercenaries

Incompetent Military Leaders

Complacency of Venetian SocietyInternal

Factors for Decline of Venice

Political Challenges

Social Challenges

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Political ChallengesPolitical Challenges

- to finance wars with the Ottomans and the neighbouring states, the Venetian government suspended the salaries of the civil servants and placed higher taxes on trade. - led to unhappiness among the nobles who formed the civil service as they became poorer with the salary suspension as well as disruption to trade during the wars.

- candidates to high positions in the government bribed poor nobles to vote for them. Corruption became the norm in elections

- Positions were also being sold to raise funds for the government to fight wars.

1] Corruption in the Government1] Corruption in the Government

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Impact- The suspension of salaries caused resentment among the nobility and led to division within the nobility classes.

- Bribery led to inefficient and incompetent leaders being Elected to the government

-Incompetent leaders were more concerned with their owninterests than with the development of the city-state

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2] Incompetent Leaders2] Incompetent Leaders

- Venice faced the challenge of a shrinking pool of nobility as olderfamilies died.- There were fewer people to choose from to fill the highest offices.-Noble families arranged marriages among themselves to retaintheir wealth and property-The rotation of duties to ensure no family or individual could dominate the government also meant competent officers would have to leave office after one term. Incompetent leaders may be chosen.-For Example: The appointment of two capable men in the civil affairs as Captain Generals in the Navy. They lacked military knowledge or experience and Venice suffered great naval defeats under their command. They were Nicolo da Canal and Antonio Grimani.

Political ChallengesPolitical Challenges

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Impact- With fewer people to take up positions, the quality of leadership weakened- As more power and wealth were in the hands of a few families, they used the government as a tool to further their interests at the expense of the interest of the city-state.- A small group of rich nobles dominated the government from the 16th century making renewal of leadership a challenge.- Corruption was common in higher offices as power lay in the hands of a few.- Incompetent leaders or officers would not be able to plan and implement policies to ensure Venice’s sustainable growth and may even lead Venice to suffer heavy losses in battles.-other states did not see Venice as a strong power anymore

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3] Over-Dependence on Mercenaries3] Over-Dependence on Mercenaries

-It was a common practice for Venice to hire mercenariesmercenaries to fight their wars eg. with the Ottomans and Genoa as it was a small country with many territories and a small population.

- The Black Death had also taken many Venetian lives and so there was a need to get mercenaries to fill the ranks of the army.

- Venice became over-reliant on these mercenaries to defend their interests

?

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3] Over-Dependence on Mercenaries3] Over-Dependence on Mercenaries

Impact- Led to increased expenditure as they have to pay high salaries to the mercenaries to fight.- The mercenaries lacked a sense of loyalty as they fought for whoever paid them better.- Some of these soldiers did not remain loyal to Venice and even plotted against Venice.Eg. In 1619, French mercenaries plotted to take the Ducal Palace and kill the Senate members. Although the plot was discovered, it showed that the mercenaries could not be trusted to fully protect Venice.- When Venice could not pay these mercenaries well when their prosperity declined, the mercenaries offered their services to other countries against Venice ?

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Social ChallengesSocial Challenges

- rich nobles indulged in fine living and became less involved in administration and development of the city state.- Gap between the rich and the poor widened.- they lavished in countless parades and celebrations- year-end party lasted for weeks- poor and rich were involved in gambling lost their fortunes- they were not willing to volunteer to serve state e.g. in 16th century, government could not find volunteers to serve in navy

Impact- became easily distracted from daily duties and productive work- committment level of people reduced drastically

1] Complacency of Venetian Society1] Complacency of Venetian Society

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Eventual Decline of Venice

- 18th century: French leader, Napoleon wanted to bring whole of Europe under his control

- Venice refused to join alliance with the Italian states against Napoleon because it feared provoking the French

- when attacked by Napoleon, Venetian leaders did not resist for fear of losing possessions

- 12 May 1797: 4,000 French entered Venice without a gunshot being fired

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External Reasons Internal Reasons

1 Wars with Ottoman Empire2 Involvement in the

mainland3 League of Cambrai

4 Discovery of a New Sea Route

5 Competition from New Trade Rivals

1 Corruption in the Government2 Complacency of Venetian Society3 Incompetent / Incapable Leaders4 Over-dependence on Mercenaries

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Lesson 1: Capable and Committed Leadership Venice at its peak:- leaders placed interest above self- capable and forward- looking- Responsive to threats and challenges, adaptable to challenges

Venice in decline:- leaders neglected responsibilities- more concerned for self than state- Corrupted and Inefficeint

What we can learn about leadership and Governance here?- good leadership today is not guarantee for the future- we have to choose our leaders wisely- we have to make sure we have the right leader for the right job- It is important to uphold incorruptability for leaders

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Lesson 2: Adaptability

Venice at its peak:- Venetians were well informed and had innovative practices eg GIRO banking- Diversified into manufacturing- Used technology to stay ahead of competitors and diversified economy to stay competitive

Venice in decline:- did nothing to keep up with the times. eg followed own style of shipping despite rise of VOC and EIC - Could not come up with solutions to the new sea routes discovered by their competitors and came up with unrealistic new laws that contributed to their decline

What we can learn about Sustaining Economic Devt?- important to adapt to changes taking place to stay relevant- eg globalisation and Information Technology- the quicker one adapts, the better the chance of survival-Seize opportunities to keep up with changes

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Lesson 3: Good International Relations Venice at its peak:- Combined diplomacy and deterrence effectively to get good trading terms with other countries while deterrence helped to end the threat of piracy and subdue its competitors to keep Venice safe and secure

Venice in decline:- involved themselves in the political struggles in mainland Europe and made many enemies-Insensitive to their neighbouring countries and played one power against another-Refused to work with other rising countries like Portugal when they discovered a new sea route

What we can learn about relations with other states?- important to have friendly relations with other states- competition would be there but a state should not attempt to rise to power at the expense of another

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Lesson 4: Strong Defence Force

Venice at its peak:- mercenaries served Venice because they were well paid- Venetians fought for the city-state

Venice in decline:- mercenaries preferred to serve other states which paid them better- Venetians more concerned for self than state- Venetians did not care for state

What we can learn?- better to rely on own citizens’ army than on others- National Service is important- all-rounded education like Total Defence is important

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Lesson 5: A Committed Citizenry

Venice at its peak:- proud to be Venetians- loyal to Venice

Venice in decline:- complacent due to past success- cared more for self than state

What we can learn?- we must be prepared to make sacrifices- must remain committed to the nation- must guard against complacency

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Lesson 6: Sustaining Economic Development

Venice at its peak:- people highly innovative- took advantage of opportunities in maritime technology to expand its economic development

Venice in decline:-Failed to look at challenges as opportunities- Failed to respond to competitions

What we can learn?- the government must constantly seek out newOpportunities for sustaining our growth to Overcome competitions

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How does Singapore ensure that its leaders do not abuse their power?

- there are opposition members in Parliament to question- there are also nominated MPs to question the government- CPIB keeps a close check on government officials

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What are some examples of Singaporeans’involvement in the community?

Residents’ CommitteeSelf-help groups eg CDAC

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How does Singapore attract ships to call at its port?

By providing good customer service, efficiency in port operations, and competitive pricing, among other things..

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How does Singapore attract foreign traders and companies to start businesses here?

- provision of incentives to foreign investors- ensuring stability with good political and economic structures

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In what way is foreign talent important to Singapore?

- they contribute to the economy with the skills they bring in- provides opportunities for locals to learn from foreign talent

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Why do you think National Service is importantin Singapore?

Singapore is an independent state which needs to rely on itself for survival. National Service would allow Singapore to build up its army, which wouldact as a deterrence for any attempt to attack Singapore

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City-state

A state which is independent of its surrounding areas andthrives in its independence. Usually, a city-state is small in size but due to its economic and political vibrancies,is able to make its presence known in the region.

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Nobility

A group of people within a state/country who are consideredthe highest in the social class.

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Coastal territories

Territories along the coast or sea. These territories werevery important during the Middle Ages. If a state was able to control the territories, the state would be able to dominatetrade.

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Overland trade route

Trade from the west to the east was very tedious during theMiddle Ages. Traders had to travel to the Middle East byship, transfer their goods to caravans and travel across theMiddle East to the East. They then had to transfer their goodsto another ship before sailing to India.

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Trade monopoly

This is a practice of dominating trade, especially to the East.Monopoly was acceptable during the Middle Ages but naturallyit also brought about jealousy among the states.

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Mercenaries

A common practice during the Middle Ages was to employsoldiers to fight for them. These soldiers are called mercenaries.Mercenaries usually fight for states which pay them well. However, there were mercenaries who remained loyal to the statethey were fighting for, for a long time.

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venice: rise and fall of a great city-state

Documents

salt trade

western roman empire

establishment of venice

centuries rise of venice

lagoon salt

venice political setting

availability of salt

salt marshes