Venice
Social Studies Sec
4/5
Chapter 3 - Theme: Facing Challenges and Change
Venice – A great City-state of its time
Chapter 3 - Theme: Facing Challenges and Change
Venice – A great City-state of its time
(A) Introduction
What Was Venice Like at the Peak of
its development?
Key Questions
1. The greatest benefit Venice's rise brought ( To whom?) was
a) Social transformation: Scientific and literary developments, Artistic Achievements & Having a cosmopolitan society
b) Territorial expansion
c) Economic growth
Explain how each of the above benefitted Venice. Which did Venice benefit the most from? Explain your answer.
2. Which aspect of Venice's change as it rose had the greatest impact on Venice?
A) Social transformation
1.1 Scientific and literary developments
1. Venice benefitted from being exposed to ideas from other parts of the world.
2. More Venetians gained a formal education in subjects like physics, law, medicine and Venice became a centre of learning and Venetians gained in becoming more educated and having access to a wider array of formal education and knowledge.
3. There was a rich exchange of ideas between Venetians and Venetian academia with overseas universities. This cross-fertilisation of ideas caused better ideas to germinate and the application of these ideas benefitted Venetian Society.
4. New areas of study such as astronomy and astrology were created due to the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
5. Government provided funding for Venetian universities to attract distinguished professors. The standard of university education was raised. The increased presence of distinguished academics from outside of Venice made Venice a magnet for talent and this raised the quality of education in Venice further which benefitted Venetians studying at Venetian universities.
6. More foreign students came to study in Venice, creating a cross pollination of ideas and made Venice a good place to learn new ideas and for the generation of new knowledge, raising Venice’s profile as a seat of knowledge in the region, creating a virtuous cycle.
1.2 Artistic Achievements
1. Venice was considered a centre for arts in Europe. Many artists and artisans produced great places of work that adorned the public buildings around the city. Venice became a more beautiful city and its artists could make a good living. People could find employment as artists including Venetians. This raised the income levels of the people in the artistic field. Venice also benefitted because the place became adorned with more artwork.
2. Venice benefitted from tourism and rich nobles from around Europe that travelled to Venice to enjoy the arts in Venice. These rich nobles and tourists spent money in Venice and this helped to boost the economy of Venice.
1.3 Having a cosmopolitan society
With the success of the Maritime trade in Venice. Venice therefore
a. Attracted many traders who decided to settle down in Venice
b. Could easily attract foreign talent but it faced labour shortages in manual occupations and thus its industries were always able to grow with its ease of access to manpower. This was despite plague creating a labour shortage as it killed 3/5ths of the population
c. Government decided to promote migration into Venice. Merchants from other parts of Europe were offered special incentives such as housing and citizenship to live in Venice.
d. Objective was to ensure that the city state would have enough people for its commercial activities. This created also a cosmopolitan society which became a magnet for talent in the region and this ensured that Venice would never be short of manpower it needed to propel its economic growth and sustain its key industries like the Maritime industry.
B) Territorial possessions
a. Venice had territorial possessions that benefited its trade
b. Ports along its trade routes were occupied by the Venetians so that at these friendly ports allowed Venetian ships to be resupplied and its crew could rest without incurring more cost since they owned the port. Hence, Venice’s rise in power allowed it to further expand its trade which was the lifeblood of Venice.
c. Venice also managed to suppress piracy because of it could launch attacks on pirate along its entire trading route with its string of ports and from the land it won in defeating the Byzantine Empire in the Mediterranean region. Thus the territorial possessions of Venice gave Venice the ability to strengthen its hold on the trade in the Mediterranean region.
C) Economic Growth
a. Venetian trade expanded and this caused Venice to look towards developing its own industries to produce high quality goods that other nations wanted. E.g. glassware, soap, dyes and bricks.
b. In these industries the pay was high and much of these goods were sold overseas and made these companies a lot of money and subsequently made Venice more affluent à more tax collected to spend on public such as the Venetian merchants who had become prosperous thanks to the demand for Venetian goods.
c. Guilds were created for these industries with the aim of ensuring goods were of a high quality and were fit for export.
Venice's high quality of goods led to increased trade and this meant higher incomes for both the merchants and those working in these industries à rise in standard of living for Venetians.
Key Questions
1. The greatest benefit Venice's rise brought ( To whom?) was
a) Social transformation: Scientific and literary developments, Artistic Achievements & Having a cosmopolitan society
b) Territorial expansion
c) Economic growth
Explain how each of the above benefitted Venice. Which did Venice benefit the most from? Explain your answer.
2. Which aspect of Venice's change as it rose had the greatest impact on Venice?
A) Social transformation
1.1 Scientific and literary developments
1. Venice benefitted from being exposed to ideas from other parts of the world.
2. More Venetians gained a formal education in subjects like physics, law, medicine and Venice became a centre of learning and Venetians gained in becoming more educated and having access to a wider array of formal education and knowledge.
3. There was a rich exchange of ideas between Venetians and Venetian academia with overseas universities. This cross-fertilisation of ideas caused better ideas to germinate and the application of these ideas benefitted Venetian Society.
4. New areas of study such as astronomy and astrology were created due to the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
5. Government provided funding for Venetian universities to attract distinguished professors. The standard of university education was raised. The increased presence of distinguished academics from outside of Venice made Venice a magnet for talent and this raised the quality of education in Venice further which benefitted Venetians studying at Venetian universities.
6. More foreign students came to study in Venice, creating a cross pollination of ideas and made Venice a good place to learn new ideas and for the generation of new knowledge, raising Venice’s profile as a seat of knowledge in the region, creating a virtuous cycle.
1.2 Artistic Achievements
1. Venice was considered a centre for arts in Europe. Many artists and artisans produced great places of work that adorned the public buildings around the city. Venice became a more beautiful city and its artists could make a good living. People could find employment as artists including Venetians. This raised the income levels of the people in the artistic field. Venice also benefitted because the place became adorned with more artwork.
2. Venice benefitted from tourism and rich nobles from around Europe that travelled to Venice to enjoy the arts in Venice. These rich nobles and tourists spent money in Venice and this helped to boost the economy of Venice.
1.3 Having a cosmopolitan society
With the success of the Maritime trade in Venice. Venice therefore
a. Attracted many traders who decided to settle down in Venice
b. Could easily attract foreign talent but it faced labour shortages in manual occupations and thus its industries were always able to grow with its ease of access to manpower. This was despite plague creating a labour shortage as it killed 3/5ths of the population
c. Government decided to promote migration into Venice. Merchants from other parts of Europe were offered special incentives such as housing and citizenship to live in Venice.
d. Objective was to ensure that the city state would have enough people for its commercial activities. This created also a cosmopolitan society which became a magnet for talent in the region and this ensured that Venice would never be short of manpower it needed to propel its economic growth and sustain its key industries like the Maritime industry.
B) Territorial possessions
a. Venice had territorial possessions that benefited its trade
b. Ports along its trade routes were occupied by the Venetians so that at these friendly ports allowed Venetian ships to be resupplied and its crew could rest without incurring more cost since they owned the port. Hence, Venice’s rise in power allowed it to further expand its trade which was the lifeblood of Venice.
c. Venice also managed to suppress piracy because of it could launch attacks on pirate along its entire trading route with its string of ports and from the land it won in defeating the Byzantine Empire in the Mediterranean region. Thus the territorial possessions of Venice gave Venice the ability to strengthen its hold on the trade in the Mediterranean region.
C) Economic Growth
a. Venetian trade expanded and this caused Venice to look towards developing its own industries to produce high quality goods that other nations wanted. E.g. glassware, soap, dyes and bricks.
b. In these industries the pay was high and much of these goods were sold overseas and made these companies a lot of money and subsequently made Venice more affluent à more tax collected to spend on public such as the Venetian merchants who had become prosperous thanks to the demand for Venetian goods.
c. Guilds were created for these industries with the aim of ensuring goods were of a high quality and were fit for export.
Venice's high quality of goods led to increased trade and this meant higher incomes for both the merchants and those working in these industries à rise in standard of living for Venetians.
Weighing
Which would you consider to be the most
critical sign or indication that Venice was at its zenith?
This would be the areas that indicate the
refinement of its society (Increase in the Scientific advancement and literacy)
OR the areas which indicated that existence of Venice’s raw power and ability
to project power (This would be territorial possessions)
However, if the question is what is the key to
Venice’s secret to Venice’s success level, it would be either its liberal
immigration policy OR the possession of territory because that helps to support
its trade which was Venice’s lifeblood.
Key Points
|
Summary
|
Key ideas
1. Nations face challenges à if they do not adapt to these challenges, they will face decline.
2. Understand what causes the f____ of nations using
Venice as a case study.
3. Understand what caused the r____ of nations using
Venice as a case study.
Essential Questions: What leads nations to decline?
In the case of Venice,
what led to its decline? Could the decline of Venice been prevented? What can states do
to sustain themselves in an ever-changing world?
|
Why learn about Venice?
Venice was like
Singapore.
|
Possible Questions in your O Level
“The key reason
for Venice’s rise was its ability to reform its government.(Gf)” How far
would you agree? Explain.
How far do you agree
that the main reason for the rise of Venice
was its willingness to reform its system of government? Explain your answer.
[ O Level 2010 ]
“The real reason for
Venice’s
decline was societal decay.” How far would you agree? Explain.
“A nation’s success
is dependent on its ability to innovate.” How far would you agree? Explain.
“The cause of a
nation’s decline is because of foreign threats.” How far would you agree?
Explain.
NB: There are many parallels between Singapore and
Venice. For
example:
- Good geographical position
- Resourcefulness of people
- Society was organised in a
way that promoted unity.
- Stable government
For example:
“In order to prevent Singapore’s
decline, we should ensure that Singapore continues to have
quality leadership.” How far would you agree? Explain.
“The best way for Singapore
to continue to prosper is through promoting National unity.” How far would
you agree? Explain.
“The most important way for Singapore to continue to prosper
is through having free trade.” How far would you agree? Explain.
|
Other possible
questions (pp121-122)
Topic: How nations can thrive in a changing world.
There are 4
factors that can sustain states in an ever-changing world(globalised world):
Which of these is
the most important? Explain. [Use (F)Factor Explantion(E) Explain(E) example
Link(L) format with questions – What? Why? How? So what? +/-]
Sub-Topic: Which
factor indicates that Venice or any other country is at its
peak/zenith/allows its to succeed?
(pp106-108)
-
Artistic
achievements
-
Scientific
and literary developments
c) Economic prosperity
Which factor best
indicates a country is successful? Explain.
|
(B) Venice’s
strengths ( and factors for its rise)
(a) Geographical
position
v
Venice had good geographical location (Page
87) à
this led to its rise: Islets were protected from the sea currents, sheltered
lagoon and deep waters. Venice success was built on Trade [Why? So what?]
(b) Innovative & Resourceful people
v
Used salt marshes à a profitable resource even
though no agriculture in Venice : Lack of land
v
Monopolised the salt trade (salt could preserve
foods) and established trade agreements with people inland to gain access to
timber and other resources. Used wood for its industries like shipbuilding.
v
Constructed a system to collect rainwater so
that they could have water to drink.
(c) Planning that leads to unity ( *Bonding
Singapore)
v
Created an urban planning system to organise
how people lived and worked.
v
Venice was a well-planned city
v
Venetian system of administration created a
sense of belonging and neighbourliness among the Venetians. Foundation of
Venetian social stability – divided into districts with social and
administrative units.
v
Each islet had a market place at the centre
for people to gather and promote unity (Common space)
v
Creation
of common space and equality was also emphasized.
v
Homes built close to one another àLand
scarce
v
The way
Venice was planned to promote unity amongst its people à
Central Square promoted neighbourliness - celebrations held there. Rich
and poor interacted at these common spaces. The rich were sensitive to the
Poor’s feelings. Rich nobles were not allowed to show off their wealth à
social sensitivity / social awareness à
Less tension between the different strata of society à
harmony / more cooperation à
stability and prosperity.
(d) Economic activities and power
v
Monopolised salt production and trade in the
region
v
With trade agreements, it dominated the inland
areas
v
Obtained resources like wood for trade and
shipbuilding.
v
Wood traded with the Middle East for spices,
gold and incense.
v
Venice’s influence and fortunes grew through trade
(e) Organised system of government Page
95 of TB
v System
of government was stable ( and there were checks and balances on power)
= Division of power
v The
Ducal council nominates those who can stand for Dogeship
v General
Assembly (Venetian parliament) elected the Doge (like our Prime
Minister)
v The separation of power and the checks and
balances between the Ducal council and the General Assembly regarding the
voting and nomination of the Doge ensured that there would lesser chance for
a Doge who was beholden to either group from coming to power à less likelihood for corruption since
neither the Ducal Council or the GA could put their friends or people they
wanted to be Doge in power à decisions made by the Doge would be objective à in the best interest of the people of
Venice à Venice will prosper.
v Great
Council = created in the 12th century to elect capable members to
all councils in the government. Members were from influential families (rich
and powerful) – Greater council was expanded in 13th Century for
more nobles to serve = why was this
good for Venice and how did this contribute to its rise. (
Inclusiveness in government/ More chance for rich to contribute their
ideas/do not feel left out/ less likely to think of revolting against the
govt/stability à
prosperity )
v Doge
was appointed for life BUT Council of 10 monitored the activities of
organisations and officials or abuse or corruption by anyone including the
Doge – no damage could be done to Venice à E.g of Check and Balance ( Think of Singapore’s CPIB) -
v Ducal
Council pass laws
v Ducal
Council has 2 advisers to advise the Doge
à
No portion of government was all powerful à
each could check and balance each other à
less likely to have corruption
|
How do these
factors lead to a Venice’s/ a nation’s rise? (Ask yourself: What? How? Why?
So what?)
Trade was the
lifeblood of Venice à when Venice’s trade grew à Venice prospered à when trade was curtailed à Venice declined.
|
(f) Capable and
farsighted leadership [leaders who plan ahead/anticipate change and stay
relevant ]
Doge Pietro II [
Used diplomacy and reduced threats] – manage foreign relations well
v
Used diplomacy to boost trade by having good
relations with countries.
v
Improve relations between other nations to
maintain peace. [ Think of Singapore’
role in ASEAN and UN]
v
Reconciled with other Italian Cities – no
conflict – peaceful activities like trade can take place. [ Good bilateral
relations]
v
Negotiated peace treaties with major powers
v
Subdued pirates to make the seas around Venice safe. E.g
Dalmantia islands
v
With stability and peace achieved – prosperity
could be attained.
Doge Enrico Dandolo
[ Use military force to gain territorial control à
Territorial gain allows for control and access of trade routes plus
additional resources = Gain strategic advantage ]
v
Weakened the control of Byzantine
Empire over Venice
while leading the Crusades.
v
Captured Constantinople
and other territories in the fallen Byzantine Empire
v Venice became
more powerful à
more raw material resources à
more people under Venetian rule + more human resources.
v More
control over ports that line the channels of trade à
Venetian trade ships can rest at friendly ports and trade at will.
Doge Pietro Ziani [ Use military force to protect trade]
v
Set up military outposts along important trade
routes to ensure that its ships travelled unmolested and trade which would
benefit Venice
continued without stoppage.
|
How do these
factors lead to a Venice’s/
a nation’s rise? (Ask yourself: What? How? Why? So what?)
Venice had capable and far-sighted leaders à knew the value of making friends with
other states to boost trade àGood diplomatic ties with other nations à Peace à trade is possible à Venice
makes money à trade is Venice’s
main source of revenue à Prosperity for Venice.
Venice had capable and far-sighted leaders à knew the value of making friends with
other states to boost trade à
à No war à resources put to purposeful use à
national
development e.g. Healthcare, Education, arts à People have a good quality of life à Venice prospers.
In summary:
Venice had
far-sighted and strategic leaders à able to make use of limited resources to capitalise on the situation
to bring about Venice’s success by taking actions that protect Venice’s lifeblood
which was trade.
|
(g) Organised
government system
(i) Reformed to adapt to stay relevant [ Reforms/reorganisation in the government ]
v Changed
and adapted the system of government to meet demands of people and
state.[Staying relevant]
v
(1) Gave people greater say/Participation
in governing Venice to get more good ideas and also to prevent
destabilisation of the government as those who want to be involved may
form an opposition or subversive element if they are excluded from
mainstream government à
(1)having more opportunity for
people to have a say in government à
(2) more useful ideas to make better decisions/policies à
policies affect Venetian lives à
better policies improve their quality of life à
life in Venice improves
e.g Great Council added
– settled disputes between members of different councils, passed laws, meted
out punishments and granted pardons to criminals.
e.g Size of the Great
Council was expanded as many of the influential families wanted to serve
in government and the government system adapted to include them in deciding Venice’s future.
v
More rich and influential people had a chance
to have a stake in Venice’s
government. This created stability and allowed Venice to rise.
(ii) Specialisation
of duties
More committees that looked into specific matters were
created as Venice
prospered.
v
Council of 40 was created to handle matters
of law, finance and coinage.
v Senate
was created to take charge of matters concerning foreign relations, commerce
and the Venetian fleet of ships.
Specialisation meant that these committees could spend
more time on important/specific matters and duties and
become experts in these fields. The quality of government policies and
decisions improved à
Better able to protect the interest of Venetians à Venice is able to prosper.
(iii) Checks and
balances to prevent corruption.
v
The council of Ten was created to prevent any
portion of government from being corrupt and abusing its power.
v
Any plot which threatened the government would
be crushed before any serious damage is done.
v
Nobody was above the law and this included the
Doge himself.
v
The Great Council could check on the Doge
v
Council of Ten have forced the Doge into exile
or to be arrested for corruption or nepotism. ( Favouritism of family
members)
è
How
does this help Venice to rise?
è
If there was no checks and balances to
remove corrupt officials and to prevent corrupt à Then there would be
wastage of government resources since these resources would not be used
to develop the nation or to improve society but it would end up in the
pockets of corrupt officials and their cronies à The government officials
would also not be interested in making good decisions for the people’s
benefit but would be spending time thinking of ways to maintain their
positions of power through abuse so that they can continue their
corrupt ways and not be found out.
(iv) Preventing the concentration of power à
reduces the opportunities for corruption.
-
There
is a nominating committee to identify male candidates for all elected
positions through balloting (Lucky draw)
-
Purpose
of balloting was to prevent any family or person from dominating the
government
-
Rivalry
between families was discouraged and campaigning was discouraged.
-
Nobody
could be appointed by personal favour.
-
Nobody
was allowed to reject an appointment
-
Ensured
all positions were filled up à Government was never understaffed.
|
Greater say à less subversive elements( people or
organisations that want to overthrow the government à greater stability and less opposition to
the Venetian government +
à no chance of civil war.
Greater say à more good ideas included in policies à
policies affect Venetian lives à
better policies improve their quality of life à
life in Venice improves
These specialised committees could solve these issues
effectively by diving deep into the problems to resolve them at their root.
Each government
agency had the right to police on one another to ensure nobody was acting
against the interest of Venice.
|
(h) Development
of trade and trade expansion. Venice
had:
Positive attitude towards trade/believed
that Trade could lead to prosperity
3. Venetians were excellent
traders + Skilled diplomats and were
able to gain favourable terms in trade à
Better tax rates on Venetian goods à
Venetians goods are more competitively priced à Cheaper than competitors’ goods because less tax is
levied on them àMore Venetian goods are sold as demand is higher à More profit is made by Veneti
trades and trade volume expands.
1.
Entrepreneurial/enterprising spirit(Resourceful + risk takers) à Travelled to unknown lands to open up new trading
opportunities [Venturing abroad]
Explored new trade routes,
supplies and markets
v Example: Marco Polo who took calculated risks to trade
beyond the Middle East, enabling Venice to expand its trade.
v 2. Venetians were able to get hold of highly prized goods
such as spices since they travelled to distance places such as Asia where
such goods were in abundance à
Such goods are in high demand in Europe and so European traders depended
heavily on Venice to bring in such goods for them à Venice developed a monopoly of these goods and hence
were able to make large profits à
this is all possible because of the Venetian entrepreneurial spirit which
explains how they expanded and developed trade.
à Foreign traders grew to know of Venice as it prospered
and they travelled from all over the world to Venice to set up permanent
trading posts/companies in the city-state
à This further increased trade and thus helped Venice to
further prosper.(Why? How? So what??)
Innovation in Maritime technology
-
Venetians
specialised in advanced Maritime technology to give them an edge in Maritime
trade and naval warfare. (So what?)
-
Being a city-state
by the sea, it was important to have an edge in these 2 areas.
-
For instance, (1)
the Venetians built excellent ships which used oar and sails to power
themselves, thus they could carry on moving in all weather conditions –
Venetian galley.
-
They built a
combined war and trade ship - the great galley which was large, well-armed
and fast - pirates avoided raiding them à
their trade ships could continue to their destination unmolested.
( So
what?)
-
(2) Venetians
invited the navigation map and the compass, allowing their ships to sail in
even in the winter à helped Venice to trade and protect its shipping lanes at
all times of the year à Venice could ensure that the threats from pirates could
be met all the times and trade could take place all year round uninterrupted à Venice prospered. ( Why? How? )
Efficiency in managing voyages [ Innovative trade
practice]
Used innovative practices to
ensure that the benefits of trade were maximised by combining their efforts:
-
Voyage management
system organised and monitored trade voyages à grouped the traders to travel in convoys that
allowed them to trade in larger volumes + convoys provided safety
for the ships against pirates.
-
Joint decisions made
by Venetian traders to collude/cooperate to sell at higher prices
or to combine their funds to purchase larger quantities of goods which
can be sold for a high profit.
-
Most foreign traders
prefer to trade with the Venetians because they offer a wider variety of
goods à this increases the earnings of the Venetian traders à hence Venice becomes richer and stronger à rises.
Overcoming competition
v
Venice faced
competition from Genoa and defeated them by force
v
Hence for a nation
to thrive they have to “defeat” by war or strategy their closest rivals so
that they could dominate the region’s trade or industries(Create monopolies
in some cases à led to higher profits) à This would ensure that a nation like Venice reaps large
profits and prospers.
Trade Monopoly
v
Venice had a trade
monopoly in the Mediterranean region
à Venice’s
navy dominated and controlled the sale of a wide variety of goods such as
precious stones and spices by controlling the trade routes using the Venetian
navy.
à
Used its strategic location to control the various trade routes to
purchase goods from the East and sell them to the European traders at
high prices to earn high profits since no other nation was able to bring
such goods to Europe because of the control of the trade routes.
(1)
The Venetian navy control the trade routes and prevented other trading
nations from selling similar goods in the Mediterranean region
(2)
The Venetians were the only traders selling certain highly prized goods such
as Precious stones and Spices as they had travelled to distant lands and
controlled the trade routes that accessed these places.
|
Venetian skill and talent in trading.
Explanation of how
improvements in trade & trade expansion caused Venice to rise.
This further increased trade à More profits are made by Venetian traders à Venetians have more money to spend on things they want à overall standard of living in Venice rises.
+ With more earnings à Tax collected rose à
Venetian government had more funds for public facilities and projects à this further improved the quality of life in Venice.
With better navigation systems
and better ships à Venetians could trade in larger volumes à With better navigation à Venetians ships could reach their ports to trade on time
à This ensured that trading would occur and business would
be done à foreign traders could therefore trust Venetian traders
as they were reliable in terms of when they would arrive to trade à More traders would do business with the Venetians à…..
Venice in controlling the trade routes
à became the ONLY supplier of certain products and
goods[from asia] à could raise the prices at will à buyers[European nations] still willing to purchase à monopoly à
more profits à Venetians become more wealthy.
|
(i) Industrial
development/ Development of industries
Venice
developed several strong industries with good knowledge and expertise
which other countries were not so good at. These industries created jobs
and helped Venice maintain its strategic position in trade:
Trade-related industries
v
Shipbuilding
v
Trade convoy organisation
v
Naval warfare technology
1. Had skilled and productive
workforce
2. Venetian galleys were built
and maintained by 2000 skilled craftsmen.
3. Set aside a specialised area
called the Arsenal for shipbuilding and development.
This ensured that the Venetians would dominate sea
trade which was bringing them prosperity à being strong and advanced
in areas that supported sea trade à
Venice would remain at the pinnacle[top] for a longer time ensuring Venice’s
continued rise.
Manufacturing industries
v
Several strong and world-class industries such
as glassware making à
Glass was traded for valuable things which Venice needed such as spices and raw
materials.
v
More jobs were created as these industries
expanded à
Venice became
prosperous.
v
Presence of many new jobs attracted skilled
foreigners to settle down and work in Venice àThese
skilled foreigners allowed Venice’s industries to continue to grow à
leading to Venice’s continued prosperity (What does this sound like?)
(j): Innovative
practices that supported trade. For example: Venetians invented:
-
Giro banking allowed for a businessman to use
the banks in Venice
to conduct multiple transactions using the bank as the middleman to handle
all the payments. This again made trading more convenient and efficient and
increased Venice’s trade à
leading to Venice’s prosperity.
-
Double-entry book keeping was a form of
accounting to ensure that business transactions could recorded in a standardised
format à
Venetian traders were able to keep track of their trade transactions
well without any inaccuracies à
could make better business decisions and thus make more money àThe
business partners of the Venetians could easily see from the double entry
book keeping system if the Venetian trader was able to make payment on trades
done and so this increased the trustworthiness of doing business with
Venetians à
more trading was therefore possible since Venetians could “open their
accounts” to show that they had the money to conduct trades à
making Venice prosper.
(Where else did you hear of the importance of innovation?) X
reference to page 73 on Managing resources efficiently in Globalisation
theme.
|
The Venetians were at the forefront of naval technology
and skill à
ensured they remained a major sea trading nation.
[Traders using GIRO can buy and sell with many other
people simultaneously à
caused an increase in business and trade à
more traders including Venetians made money àVenice
became more prosperous.
The standardised accounting system created à
raised the level of trust between buyers and sellers in Venice à
increased the likelihood of repeated trade with one another à
business volume increased à…..
|
Sec 4 Express -
Social Studies
Venice – A great
city state of its time
Reference: Chapter 3 of SS Textbook Sec 4 pages: 110 to
120
A) Question types
1. Typical question:
v
Were foreign threats[GF] the main cause
of Venice’s
collapse? Explain your answer.
v
Could corruption have been the main cause
of Venice’s
fall? Explain your answer.
2. Questions can also group the threats into external and
internal threats/challenges.
[Please also refer to SEQ questions in revision set.]
Example:
To what extent is the decline of Venice due to external threats[ Combination of 2 main factors – foreign threats & Competition in trade] ? Explain your answer.
To what extent is the decline of Venice due to external threats[ Combination of 2 main factors – foreign threats & Competition in trade] ? Explain your answer.
Structure
Para 1: Explain how external threats/factors led to fall of
Venice.
Para 2: Explain how internal threats/factors led to fall of
Venice.
Para 3: Weigh and consider which the main cause of Venice’s
fall is.
3. Sub-factors can also be used as factors in
the question.
Example:
Here are 3 factors that contributed to the fall of Venice
v
Wars with the Ottoman
Empire
v
Rise of Larger states
v
Discovery of new sea routes
Which do you think is the most damaging? Explain your
answer.
Structure
v
Para
1 = Explain how Wars with the Ottoman Empire
à was damaging to
Venice
Damaging = weakens; destroys; hurts; lowers the quality
of life of Venetians;
4. In all cases look for and interpret:
The issue
The given factor(s)
The weighing word [ You should decide already what is the most important/critical factor/sub-factor much earlier as part of your exam preparation]
The issue
The given factor(s)
The weighing word [ You should decide already what is the most important/critical factor/sub-factor much earlier as part of your exam preparation]
5. Make sure your explanation answers the question!!!
B) Factors leading to Venice’s Fall
Summary: Venice fell because it could not respond
effectively to internal and external threats.
Factors
|
Explanation to answer question/Notes
|
Main factor 1: Foreign threats developed ( External
factors)
Venice developed poor relations with other states
It had a variety of differences with them. Many states did not like Venice.
Sub-factor 1: Venice’s poor diplomatic efforts with
inland European states
Needed inland states for resources Venice tried to maintain a balance of power by switching alliances [Friendships] when there are two opposing sides. As a result, European powers/states did not trust Venice completely and so the inland states also did not honour their alliances with Venice. Venice could come under attack anytime as its approach to diplomacy created few permanent friendly states. Due to the constant threat of war between Venice and the inland states… Overland trade route in inland Europe was unsafe due to constant war à * Reduced Venice’s trade
Sub-factor 2: Venice was challenged by the Ottoman
Empire [Competition for power in the region]
Lost important territory to the Ottoman Empire which competed with Venice for control of maritime routes. Ottoman Empire captured territory along the Adriatic sea and attacked Venetians ships. Venetians turned their trade ship into warships à Fewer ships for trade à Trade volumes dropped à Venice became poorer. 7 years of war with Ottomans over the Aegean and Adriatic sea drained Venice’s resources à Venice weakened. Venetians negotiated with the Ottomans and gave concessions and this angered other European states as the Ottomans were Muslim and the European states were Christian and they felt that Venice was betraying the Christian states. Venice became isolated à Venice had to depend on itself for its defence à had to channel more resources à made Venice poorer. In 1463, Venetians were left by European states to fight on their own against the Ottomans.
Sub-factor 3: The league of Cambrai
Larger European nations jealous of Venice Wanted to check its power Formed the League of Cambrai and launched a war against Venice. Many Venetian territories lost Venice negotiated peace with some European states and formed new alliances Venice used force to retake some territory But this drained Venice’s resources Taxes in Venice raised |
Outcome
Due the uncertainty of the alliances which Venice was in à Created a great deal of stress for the nation à It could not feel secure.
Outcome
In keeping a large mercenary army à costly à strain on limited Venetian resources à Venice was less able to use its resources for other needs à Venice was weakened.
* fewer resources
available for other needs e.g. Healthcare, housing, developing its trade à public services worsened à overall standard of living decreased à Venice was weakened and began to decline.
Was and tension with inland European states saw a fall in
trade movement by Venetian traders à
less business done with inland states since it was unsafe to travel à
hence, the amount of revenue made by Venice decreased à Venetians became poorer à
overall standard of living declined + government could collect less taxes à
less money to improve public facilities àquality
of life in Venice falls.
Outcome? Why does this lead to Venice’s fall?
The conflict with the Ottomans caused Venice a great deal
of resources which could have been put to better use to improve the nation à
instead it was expanded in war à
this weakened Venice and used up its wealth.
Furthermore, it had to convert trade ships to warships à
less trade à
less business à
less money for Venice
à
a poorer nation.
Outcome – why did this lead to Venice’s fall?
The league of Cambrai: The war with the large European
states à
led to Venice losing territory which contained resources, manpower and
strategic value à
Venice was weakened + Venice spent a great deal of money defending these
territories and retaking them back in wars à
spent more money on defence which could have been used elsewhere à
Taxes raised à
average Venetians had less money for his own use à less prosperous.
|
Main factor 2: Maritime competition ( External factors )
Sub-factor 1: Discover of new sea route linking Europe and Asia
around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
Venice proposed because of trade especially East-West
Trade in things like spices.
European countries could now buy spices directly from India because of the new east-west trade route Venetians lost business in spice trade [Venetians were no longer needed as middlemen to manage the East-West trade] Venetian overland trade route was dangerous & more time-consuming vs new sea route. New trade route wiped out Venetian profits in the spice trade ( See page 115 ) Venetian profits fell = Treasury shrank – ISI / Jardine
Not all was lost….
However, Venice continued to be the middle man for other trade in the Mediterranean Remained an important trade centre Main supplier of goods like wine, raisins and silk to growing cities in Spain and Portugal Demand for Venetian products like glassware remained high in East and West. Venice even expanded its trade with England.
Sub-factor 2: New trade rivals
British and Dutch – Dutch East India Company and the
British East India Company rivalled Venice.
Dutch got spices directly from the East while the British developed strong trade in cotton, pepper, tea and porcelain between the East (India and China) and the West (Europe) These 2 rivals could negotiate better trading rights and terms at ports. E.g. Paid fewer taxes than Venetians. Venetians started protectionist actions* to protect their own trade à raised taxes at Venetian controlled ports à Foreigner traders stopped trading with Venice à Venetian trade decreased à Trade volume of Venice fell. The British went on to dominate the trade of tea, porcelain, cotton and pepper between India and China and Europe à Venice was bypassed by the trade ships of these 2 nations [Outcome] Venice lost its importance as a centre of trade. PLUS Dutch and British had better, faster and larger ships. Venetians copied their designs but did not have the skill to sail them well. |
Outcome
Overall amount of trade done by Venice decreased à
Led to a fall in the amount of revenue earned by Venetian traders à
Number of ships and volume of trade passing through Venice declined à
Less is earned by citizens of Venice + Less taxes could be collected by
government for public projects à
Venice became less prosperous.
|
Main factor 3: Political challenges ( Internal factors)
Weakening government
Sub-factor 1: Incapable leadership à
caused by a shrinking population.
Good leadership is dependent on the people selected. Venice’s population reduced due to plague [Disease carried by rats] Lack of quality people. [ Pool of talent was shrinking] Lack of leadership succession Many nobles died à Wealth concentrated in a few noble families à Noble families intermarried à tendency for corruption increased à People remained in high positions for long time. Rotation of duties prevented some corruption = loss of competent officers in a position.
Example: Unsuitable people in government jobs e.g. scholars.
Example: One was an ambassador and another one an accountant who became naval commanders. E.g. Nicolo
da canal and Antonio Grimani.
Lacked military skills
Both lost heavily in battle. à A weakened Venice.
Sub-factor 2: Corruption in government
Govt. decisions not made in Venice’s interest BUT in noble’s (rich and influential venetian) selfish interest. Members of nobility lost their income because of the fall in trade volume Venice becoming poorer due to government funds being exhausted in wars and Venetian trade shrinking due to wars and competition from trade rivals. Poor nobles willing to sell their votes in elections for money. Leadership positions taken by those who could pay or bribe others NOT based on the ability of candidate. Sale of leadership positions took place. Incompetent and self-serving people joined Venetian government = poorer quality of govt. decisions.
Sub-factor 3: Overdependence on mercenaries
Professional soldiers were non-Venetians - French, English and Dutch à Needed due to small Venetian population à But mercenaries lacked loyalty and were unreliable in battle. Ready to defect if paid better salaries by other countries.
Example
Mercenaries plotted against Venice in 1615 and 1619. |
Outcome
Fewer competent government officials making the best
possible decisions for the state à
Poorly made decisions hurt Venice and affected the people’s lives negatively.
When people occupied positions for too long due to
shrinking talent poolà
Corruption increased à
decisions made are no longer in the interest of the citizens but to benefit
themselves.
Poorer decisions are made à
in some cases wars were lost.
Outcome Incompetent people came into government through bribery and sale of positions à this weakened the ability and the strategic thinking capacity of the government à poorer decisions were made that negatively impacted Venice. Outcome An unreliable defence force à Venice was held “hostage” by the mercenaries likelihood or unlikelihood of defecting to the enemy. |
Main factor 4: Social challenges ( Internal factors)
Sub-factor 1: Venetians became soft and weak as a
society. [ Losing their morality and values]
Complacency amongst Venetians
Less resilient à not used to hardship à less willing to lay down their lives for Venice à Less prepared for war à less prepared to defend Venice’s independence when Venice was threatened.
Indulged in enjoyment and entertainment [ Root ] Example:
Lavish parties and addicted to gambling [ Venetians became less
hardworking]
Government became lazy and complacency set in
Less interested in managing Venice well Less interested in looking into the difficult tasks of governing the country properly. [ The Venetian government became less interested in managing the complexities of governing] à Poorer decisions made à nations and citizens benefitted less.
Government also became corrupt à Government officials and
nobles willing to sell their votes and positions for money à
Led to people who gave bribes entering government to serve their own
interests instead of having government officials who were interested in serving the public
and who had the high ability to do so à
This led to poor decision making and this impacted the people of Venice
negatively à
weakened Venice’s government and ability to survive à Venice declined.
Sub-factor 2: Venetian society became divided [ Linked
to SF1]
Rich became distant from commoners
Gap between rich and poor widened
Social division à
Disunity à
weakened Venice as a nation
|
Outcome
à
Passed on responsibility to disloyal mercenaries à few Venetians were prepared
to die for the state à
Eventually Venice lost its Independence to France when
the French invaded à
no resistance at all.
à
Venetian love for pleasure à
Less willing to make sacrifices for their country
à
Government started to make poor decisions à
unwilling to think through what the best decisions should be for the people
and the state à
government officials became corrupted ( Link to point on corruption) e.g. A
lack of competency could be seen by the government’s decision to not support
the Italian mainland cities against the invading French and this led to the
eventual collapse and occupation of Venice à
no defence was put up by the Venetians. [ Will to lead was lacking]
à
Lesser unity meant that Venetians no longer listened to their leaders and no
longer put the interests of society before their own.
|
C) When Venice
finally fell to the French
v
Venetians did not want to join Italian states to
put up joint defence
v
Some Venetians plotted to overthrow the
government supported by the French
v
No ability to defend themselves – outdated
weapons
v
No capable nobles left
v
Absence of fighting spirit
v
Loss of independence and no resistance put up to
the invading French army.
No comments:
Post a Comment