In economics, you should know something of trade, manufacturing and agriculture in the period, and the more significant developments in business methods.
Specifics Who were the major explorers up to 1550?
Explain why exploration became such a significant activity in the 15th century and why the Iberian countries took the lead in this.
Know something of the motives and goals of the explorers and of their sponsors.
Be able to discuss the effect of exploration on the Europe of our period.
What were the principal functions and characteristics of banks in the Renaissance?
Define usury. Why was it sinful? What methods did merchants use to work around the law?
Name at least two different types of contracts and how they would be used.
What is double-entry bookkeeping? What method of bookkeeping did it replace and why was it better?
What were the economic functions of guilds?
What were the main economic centers of Europe?
Know the main trends in agriculture, especially the differences in landholding developing in western and eastern Europe.
What were the principal big industries of Europe?
Know the main sources and centers of wealth of the Medici.
Know the three levels of trade as explained by Hay, and what distinguished each from each.
What were the foundations of Florence's economy?
Name the major events in economic history from 1300 to 1550.
What is your own interpretation of the economy of Europe during this period? How would you characterize the economy?