How did trade with Asia impact Italy?
1 Answer
Trade with Asia made the city states of Italy rich and powerful.
Explanation:
The Lion of St Mark the symbol of Venice ruled the Eastern Med. Trade along the silk road through the Black Sea all the way to China brought wealth to Venice and other city states like Genova. Marco Polo traveled the silk road bringing fame and wealth to Venice.
When The Ottoman Turks conquered Constantiople in 1451 they cut off trade for the Italian city states to China and Asia. The Italian cities states cut off from the trade with Asia lost power and wealth. Florence with its wool trade with England and northern Europe became the most powerful city state in Italy.
Spain and Portugal became the most powerful states in Europe. New trade routes replacing the silk road were developed. Portugal found a route around Africa to India. Spain found routes around Cape Horn and across the Islam of Panama. ( Not counting the treasure plundered from the Aztecs and Inca)
Trade with Asia was and still is vital to the wealth and power of nations. With trade the Italian City States prospered. Without trade the City States faded.
