Medieval Cities and Economic Transformation

Study Notes

Following the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD), Europe experienced a period of stagnation and decline of large cities.
The period between 476 AD and 1000 AD is referred to as the “dark ages”.
The economic system shifted to feudalism, characterized by self-sufficient estates called autarky, where peasants worked the land for the local lord or bishop.
Trade was minimal during this era.

The 5th to 15th centuries saw a revival of urbanisation with the growth of trade and early forms of capitalism.
Cities in Northern Italy, like Milan, Florence, and Venice, emerged as significant trading centers, connecting to the far east.
Venice, in 1363, had a population of approximately 80,000 people.
These cities were often considered city-states, highlighting the importance of “citizenship” and independence.
The merchant class, with their movable assets, rose to power, shifting the societal order from Feudalism.
Guilds, occupational groupings, were formed to solidify the merchants' political organization and power.

The medieval city's spatial form was compact, characterized by walls for protection and a central market square.
Market squares were essential for trade, with major cities having multiple locations.
Harbours and canal systems facilitated trade, while winding streets patterns defined the urban spaces.
The social geography of medieval cities was complex and often based on occupation and ethnic identities.
Segmented neighborhoods, including the "ghetto" in Venice, were reserved for specific groups, including Jewish communities.

The consolidation of kingdoms led to the end of independent trading cities.
However, capitalism was integrated into the economies of European kingdoms and states.
Despite urban growth, the majority of the population remained rural, with a small percentage living in cities.

The industrial revolution, during the 18th and 19th centuries, dramatically reshaped cities.
A shift to an economy focused on production and exchange demanded a larger workforce.
Innovations in power supply, particularly the coal-burning steam engine, fueled the industrial revolution.
The factory system centralized hundreds of workers and enabled mass production.
Improvements in agriculture reduced the need for farm labor and sparked a movement of surplus workers to urban factories.
England became the epicenter of the industrial revolution in the 18th century, later spreading to other parts of Europe and the world.

Global trade, the slave trade, and colonialism fueled the industrial revolution.
Colonies provided raw materials needed for industrial production.
The industrial revolution accelerated urbanization on a massive scale.
Europe’s population doubled throughout the 1800s and its urban population increased sixfold.
England's urbanization rates climbed from 20% in 1800 to 40% in 1850 and 60% in 1890.
London's population soared from 1 million in 1800 to 2.5 million in 1850 and 6.5 million by 1900.