The two things that were brought into Europe that contributed to the creation of a bustling economy, prosperous cities, and new classes of people were trade and agricultural innovations.
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Trade: The revival of trade, especially during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, led to increased interactions between Europe and other regions, such as the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. This included the import of luxury goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals, which stimulated economic growth and the rise of merchant classes. Trade routes, both overland (such as the Silk Road) and maritime (like the Mediterranean trade), were crucial for fostering commercial activities and the development of markets.
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Agricultural Innovations: Advances in agricultural techniques, such as the three-field system, the introduction of new crops, and improvements in tools (like the heavy plow and crop rotation), led to increased food production. This agricultural surplus supported population growth and urbanization, as fewer people were needed to farm the land, allowing more individuals to pursue other professions. As cities grew, new social classes emerged, including a burgeoning middle class of merchants, artisans, and other professionals.
Together, these factors played a vital role in the transition to a more dynamic and interconnected European economy.