World system before European hegemony

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World system before European hegemony

• European Subsystem
• 1250-1350

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Three major zones of the world system before
European hegemony
European Subsystem Feudalism (Political and
economic fragmentation)
Middle East Succession of powerful
Islamic dynasties
Asia Powerful Chinese dynasties South and
Southeast Asia (fragmented)
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Agents of integration before European hegemony

• Merchants (trade)
• Empires, tribes (conquest and plunder)
• Travelers, adventurers, pilgrims (knowledge,
  cultural influence)

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European Subsystem (1250-1350

• FEUDALISM
• Political and economic fragmentation
• Based on agriculture (landlord-peasant
  relationship)
• Weak kings, papal authority
• Space for cities to grow

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Feudal village in medieval Europe
Feudal town
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Integrating Europe

• Champagne Fairs
• Flanders
• Guilds
• Hanseatic Towns
• Italian Cities
• Venice, Genoa,
• Florence, Milan

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A fair in Champagne region
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Medieval trade routes
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Weaving in Flanders
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Hanseatic towns and their network
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Italian Cities
Venice Genoa Florence Milan
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Medieval trade routes
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Factors that prevented Italian cities from
becoming hegemonic centers

• Economic
• High wages and regulations
• Redistribution of wealth
• Financing Spain, Portugal, and the Dutch
• Political
• Competition among Italian cities
• Venice Ottoman (Turkish) rivalry

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Venice, Grand Canal
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Fondaco dei Turchi, Venice
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Galata Tower, Istanbul