Topic and Issues
The chapter “Trade Patterns in the Wider World” reveals examples of trade relations of different countries in the era of the late Renaissance and displays the overall dynamics of exports and the volume of goods sold and purchased (Miskimin 126). The subject, which is described in the chapter, is the attempts of some European countries, in particular, Portugal to establish trade relations in the 15th – 16th centuries. The issues that the section is dealing with are the main directions of how the central trade routes passed, as well as the volume of goods exported to different parts of the world. The conclusion that follows from these issues is that in the 15th century, trade relations in Europe developed actively, and many countries reached their heyday due to the new ways of selling different goods.
1479 – the Treaty of Alcáçovas, the Portuguese monopoly of the African cost and some Atlantic islands.
1487 – Bartholomew Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope.
1517 – the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into Egypt.
1562 – John Hawkin’s first trade expedition to the New World.
1581 – a new law revived prohibitions against bullion export.
1588 – the defeat of the Spanish Armada in the battle with England.
Summary of the Chapter
Miskimin begins his chapter by describing the prerequisites for the development of new trade relations in European countries (123). The author also gives the examples of the changes that occurred in the organization of transport, in particular, it is about increasing the number of ships and reducing the size of crews (Miskimin 123). Further details are provided on how the Portuguese trading structure developed and what discoveries were made since the beginning of the 15th century. The author mentions the most famous personalities who initiated the development of the international market and considers the slave trade one of the traditional industries of that time (Miskimin 125).
The comparisons of Portuguese and Spanish trade relations are given continuously as these countries reached their peak during the described era. Also, the author provides the example of the Baltic trade and represents the principal directions of this European region’s development (Miskimin 136). Also, Miskimin notes that, following the Baltic countries, other European states began actively exporting their goods to the north (138). Moreover, according to him, such countries as England and Spain also achieved particular successes (Miskimin 143). The chapter ends with the fact that the author mentions the most popular areas of trade and discusses possible causes and decisions that took place during that period (Miskimin 150).
Peculiarities of the Chapter
In his work, the author uses several tables and charts that display accurate information about the volume of exported goods and the principal trade areas of that period. The vocabulary, which is used in the chapter, is entirely understandable and is not full of complicated terms and intricate structures. All information is presented logically and consistently.
From the point of view of understanding, the chapter is not very complicated since all data are submitted concisely and consistently in keeping with the chronology and mentioning key dates and personalities that had the most significant impact. Miskimin’s work can be useful enough for a statistical analysis and the evaluation of trade relations in Europe during the late Renaissance. While comparing the problem raised by the author with some similar contemporary issue, Milkmin’s research is of great practical value. The modern development of trade relations, for example, the sale of goods of a particular manufacturer in all parts of the world, is a norm. However, about five hundred years ago, the emergence of this phenomenon could be considered something special and deserving close attention.
Work Cited
Miskimin, Harry A. The Economy of Later Renaissance Europe 1460-1600. Cambridge University Press, 1977.