2. Beginning of Modern Ages | World History

Ancient History of India:-    • Ancient History of India   Medieval History of India:-    • Medieval History of India   Modern History Of India:-    • Modern History by Shreyas Badiye   World History:-    • World History   World Geography:-    • Physical Geography   Indian Geography:-    • Indian Geography   Indian Polity:-    • Indian Polity by Shreyas Badiye   BEGINNING OF THE MODERN AGE 1. MEDIEVAL CITIES OF EUROPE New towns began to emerge as centers of crafts and trade. In the beginning some peasants engaged in crafts along with agriculture. Gradually they became full time artisans and settle in the places where it was easy to exchange their products for agricultural goods. Merchants who traded in goods settled in such places. The towns became bigger. 2. DISINTEGRATION OF FEUDAL SYSTEM Revival of trade was accompanied by the growth of town. Towns gradually freed themselves from feudal control. They had their own government and townsmen elected their officials. They had their own militia and courts. Unlike serfs there was no restrictions on their movement. Money now became measure of wealth. New class emerged ‘The Middle Class’ comprising mainly of merchants. The Guild system was not suited to the requirements of large scale production required by an expanding markets for goods and system began to decline and factory system was introduced. 3. CHANGES IN POLITICAL LIFE:- There were many peasant revolts against feudal oppression and chuch from 14th century. As a result feudal system broke down. In the course of time town became very prosperous. King began to take the help and support of townsmen to increase their power. King also started having his own armies and thus freed themselves from their earlier dependence on the lords for soldiers. Nation State began to emerge. Strong rulers rose and subjugated feudal lords and ignored the authority of Pope in political matters. King became absolute ruler. (Absolutism). Thus feudalism began to decline.