Reforms in Government

Meeting the challenges of a growing city-stateCreation of the Great CouncilCreated in 12th century to elect capable members to all councils in govtGrowth in nobilitycompetition to serve in govtHence Great Council expanded to reduce competition Eg. Number of seats reached 400 in 13th centurySpecialisation of duty` 13th century, Council of Forty createdManaged matters of law, finances, coinage60 member Senate added with the expansion of foreign relations with more countriesSenate took charge of foreign relations, commerce and the operations of Venetian fleetsMaintaining checks and balancesEffective checks on powerDoge+6 Ducal Councillors+3 Heads of the Council of Forty = Council of TenEnsure no corrupt practices or abuse of power from high ranking officialsThere have been Doges forced to exile or arrested by council due to corrupt practicesPreventing concentration of powerNominating committee added to election process

They identify suitable male candidates for elected positionsPrevent any individual or family from dominating governmentNobles unable to campaign for support during electionNobles appointed cannot reject position

Trade developments and expansion

Attitude towards TradeVenetians were skilled diplomatsable to obtain lower tax ratesAble to bring highly-prized spices from the EastPossessed an enterprising spiritExplored new trade routes, supplies and markets by traveling to unknown landsEg. Polo family took calculated risks to extend trade beyond Mid EastExploration of overland trade route to China earn Venice good relations with Far EastInnovations in maritime technologyEg. Nautical chart and Mariner’s compassVenetian fleets were propelled by oars and sailsneed not depend solely on one unlike othersFirst Venetian great galley was built, combining merchant and war vesselDiscouraged pirates from attacking Venetian trading shipsEfficiency in managing voyagesSenate came up with effective managementOrganised and monitored schedule of trade voyagesGrouped traders into convoys for safety and more profitable to trade in large quantitiesOvercoming trade competitionVenetian traders risk confiscation and looting by Genoese in Genoese ports and vice versaGenoa attacked fleets belonging to Venice and took over cargoes, and vice versaVenice defeated Genoa in late 14th centuryTrade monopolyTrading activities in Europe dominated by Venice (most successful), Genoa, Hanseatic LeagueVenice gained monopoly after defeating GenoaVenice strategically located at northern tip of Adriatic SeaCentral and Southern Europe depended on Venice for spices, sugar, diamondsGoods sold at high priceVenetian traders reap large profits

Industrial developmentTrade-related industry1100Shipbuilders centralized at a place called ArsenalPrevent overcrowding and minimal noise pollution at Bacino San Marco, the main trading portManufacturing industriesTrade expansiongained more wealthincrease in demand for manufactured goodsEg. Glass-making industry on the island of MuranoOther manufactured goods: candles and scented soapMore jobs createdAttracted skilled craftsmen in other parts of Europe to come and settle in Venice

Innovative practicesDouble-entry bookkeeping

Standardise credit and debit columns and entries recorded by dataGiro-bankingAbility to make and receive payment by making request at the bank

Basis of Comparisons for Reasons for Rise of Venice

Reforms in Government > Trade Development and Expansion / Industrial Development / Innovative Practices

Having a government that is able to handle state affairs more efficiently would form a stable platform for prosperity to be forged. Without an efficient government, ____________ might cause economical harm to Venice

Attitude Towards Trade > Innovations in Maritime Technology / Efficiency in Managing Voyages / Overcoming Trade Competition / Trade Monopoly

Without the attitude the Venetians had towards trade, ____________ would not exist as ___________ came from the attitude Venetians had towards trade.