Over the decades, all the instability experienced in 14th century Europe began to be answered by a new period of growth and expansion. Cities returned to growth, commerce rearticulated itself and the fields returned to producing satisfactorily. Despite the reaction, old and new problems indicated that the feudal order did not offer conditions for this growth to have a greater breath. Even overcoming the crisis, there were other obstacles to be faced.
One of the most important of that time was established in the existing incompatibility between the demands and economic features of the countryside and the city. The inappetence of servile work, on many occasions, could not meet the growing demand generated by European cities. Problems with supply were quite common at that time. On the other hand, feudal estates had a limited number of consumers who could absorb goods from cities.
Furthermore, we see that the bourgeoisie was unable to expand given the lack of standardized currencies that would facilitate trade in a given location. Every time they crossed a territory, they were forced to submit to local taxes and tolls, which also limited their profit-making. Externally, the control of the Arabs over the Mediterranean and the monopoly of Italian cities made the products that penetrated the rest of Europe more expensive.
Through such obstacles, the European economy began to seek the exploration of new markets as a way to increase the food supply, reduce the price of goods and seek sources of metals precious. That's how the adventure of the great navigations started to gain new breath and to open up seas and lands that were completely unknown before. Taking advantage of all the knowledge of the time, the European man broke with the old barriers that spatially limited his vision of the world.
Furthermore, it is worth remembering that this new set of needs was also accompanied by the formation of monarchies. By strengthening royal authority, the bourgeoisie simplified the collection of taxes. In addition, by force of laws, the monarchic regime standardized the currencies and collected more taxes. Over time, the monarchic state itself played a leading role in the actions that sought new lands and the expansion of commerce. In this way, the obstacles of the 15th century were overcome.
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Brazil School Team
Middle Ages - General history - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/os-obstaculos-seculo-xv.htm