Role of Cities

Change over time Essay

Role of Cities

Between 1000 and 1900 C.E. the role of cities in Europe experienced drastic changes both culturally and economically. Europe experienced cultural and agricultural revolutions in the beginning of 1000 B.C. The main causes for these were the crusades and new trade that came along with it. New cultures began to develop and new innovative ideas were also the change crusades had brought to European cities. Around the 1300's the black plague had devastated many European cities, drastically decreasing their population and the need for cities. Despite the black plague, the Renaissance had shed some light in the lives of many European people. The major benefits of cities are that they were an important location for government centers. Cities continually served as a location for the central government. The growth of modern industry from the late 18th century onward led to massive urbanization and the rise of new great cities in Europe as new opportunities brought huge numbers of migrants from rural communities into urban areas. The most important establishment for cities was the efficient trade and markets. However, cities during those periods of time were deadly places to live in, due to health problems resulting from contaminated water and air, and communicable diseases. Although new technology and vaccination has began to change this factor.

Beginning in 1000 the crusades in Europe had introduced it to new culture ideas and trade, increasing the need for cities. Along with the crusades, the agricultural revolution assisted in the growing needs for cities. The Crusades are seen as having opened up European culture to the world, especially Asia. They re-established traffic between the East and West, which, after having been suspended for several centuries, was resumed with even greater energy. The need to raise, transport and supply large armies led to a flourishing of trade throughout European cities. Roads largely unused since the days of Rome saw significant increases in traffic as local merchants began to expand their horizons. This was not only because the Crusades prepared Europe for travel, but also because many wanted to travel after being reacquainted with the products of the Middle East. This also aided in the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy, as various Italian city-states from the very beginning had important and profitable trading colonies in the crusader states. Also the period from 1050 to 1300 is generally considered the High Middle Ages. Western Europe rises as a great power with only China equaling it in political, economic and cultural flourishing. It also witnesses profound religious and intellectual change, including the organization of the papal monarchy. Along with the crusades came the first agricultural revolution