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Venice Revised
Venice Revised
Venice: An Introduction to the City-State The reasons for Venices rise to greatness The reasons for Venices eventual fall Lessons that Singapore can learn from the history of Venice
BACKGROUND EUROPE and VENICE: - Before 5th century AD: Political Instability in Europe - 5th to 9th centuries AD: Establishment of Venice as a city state - 9th and 15th centuries Rise of Venice - 15th and 18th centuries - Fall of Venice
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Political Setting in Europe [Before 5th Century AD] : Decline of the Roman Empire and Emergence of Venice
-1st Century AD, Roman Empire, the only major empire in Europe declined due to: external threats, internal threats and poor economic growth. - Roman Empire divided into Western and Eastern Roman Empires to manage the problems. Western Roman Empire: - Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD due to: constant conflicts with Germanic tribes from Central and Eastern Europe -Spilt into many kingdoms that frequently fought with one another
Eastern Roman Empire [Byzantine Empire] -Survived due to good geographical position could control trade in the Adriatic Sea and the Middle East - Faced constant attacks from Germanic tribes from its west and from the Muslim kingdoms in the east 5
Venices Beginning
- Refugees from the Roman Empires fled and settled in marshy swamps located in Northern Italy at the tip of the Adriatic Sea
Geography of Venice: -Located in Northern Italy. Consisted of clusters of small islands [about 120] about 3 km from the mainland. -These islands are in a lagoon and protected from the strong currents of the Adriatic Sea by larger islands in the south - Many salt marshes in the lagoon salt became a profitable resource for Venice -Strategically located at the tip of the Adriatic Sea and therefore able to control trade in the Adriatic and Black Seas and the Middle East -Protection from strong currents and availability of salt led to the early rise of Venice
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Venices Beginning
Life of Early Settlers: - Became seafarers because of the make up of Venice made up of small islets with
little land for agriculture. -Established fishing villages and main occupation were fishing, salt production and making crafts especially shipbuilding. -Dependent on the mainland for food and raw materials Economic Activities: -Monopolised the salt trade in the region because of their knowledge of salt production -Exchanged salt and fish for food with people in the mainland especially those living by the Po River -Established trade agreements with these communities and dominated region around the river mouth and its surrounding mainland - These agreements allowed Venetians access to the forested areas in the mainland where they got wood for trading and shipbuilding -Being skilled shipbuilders helped Venice expand its trade to the Middle East to obtain valuable goods like spices, gold and incense in exchange for wood. 7 -Venice became a strong trade power by the 7th century in the Adriatic Sea region and offered protection to Byzantine Empires territories along the Italian shores.
Venices Beginning
Venetian Society: -Over time, a few families became very wealthy and politically influential due to trade. -The rest of the population consisted of merchants, fishermen, craftsmen, salt harvesters and artisans (a skilled manual worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewellery, household items, and tools) -But there was social stability because: i] efforts were made to ensure that the rich do not show off their wealth they could only decorate the interior of their houses not the exterior
ii] each islet had its own town centre where the market and church were located. This was the place both the rich and poor gathered for celebrations and provided opportunities for them to interact and build neighbourliness [Common Space?] 8 iii] the Venetians had a strong sense of belonging due to their history.
Venices Beginning
Venetian System of Government:
-Vassal state of the Byzantine Empire but had freedom to choose their own leaders -It was an Aristocratic Republic Rich members of society were elected its rulers
-Early Venetian government was a three-tiered structure from 8th 10th century Will change after this to meet the needs of a growing city-state
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Venice System of Government: Three - Tiered Government Struture Doge Leader appointed for life Ducal Council Two advisors who assisted the Doge. Selected men suitable to be the Doge General Assembly elected the Doge and passed laws on issues like trade and housing
Leader
Doge
Ducal Council
General Assembly
rivalry
- It was a vassal state of the Byzantine Empire but established good relations with their rivals, the Germanic tribes in order to continue in its role as middleman in the trade between the East and the West - Kept friendly relations with rival mainland states to get favourable trade conditions and to expand its trade.
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View Of Venice
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2a] To meet the needs of a growing city state 2b] To ensure effective checks on Power Political Reasons For Rise of Venice
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1] diplomatic and practical Eg. Doge Pietro II Orseolo - maintained friendships with leaders in Europe like the Byzantine and Germanic
rulers as well as the Muslim states in North Africa although there was enmity between the Christians and Muslims. - Put down the pirates in Dalmatia by cutting off salt supplies to cities controlled by the pirates.
Impact:
As a result of the practical diplomatic relations, helped Venice remain peaceful and stable in its early years of development. -protected Venice independence and trade interests and helped Venice gain favourable trade deals which boosted Venices wealth making Venice powerful - Getting rid of piracy ensured safe trade passage for Venetian traders and increased its wealth. - Venice established its control over the important 18 routes in the Adriatic Sea
Impact:
-With this conquest and capture, Venice controlled some of the important territories controlled by the Byzantine Empire which were important for trade enabling Venice to rise. -Venice gained recognition from other states for its conquest of the once powerful Byzantine Empire. This helped Venice obtain favourable trading terms - Venice became the most powerful country in the region 19
3] very enterprising took steps to expand Venice as a major maritime empire through conquests and control of important routes in the Mediterranean Sea Eg. Doge Pietro Ziani led many missions to conquer and control important territories along the Mediterranean Sea to strengthen Venices maritime trade in the face of increasing trade competition
Impact:
-As a result, this helped strengthen Venices maritime trade in the face of increasing trade competition -Venice trade expanded and it obtained more wealth that contributed to its rise as a maritime empire.
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Doges Palace
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ii] The Council of Forty was created in the 13th Century to handle law and finances as Venice grew
iii] 60 member Senate was added to handle foreign affairs and trade matters because of expansion of trade and increased 23
II] The Nominating Committee was added to the election process to:
-identify suitable male candidates for elected posts through balloting not favouritism to ensure fairness and to prevent any one individual or family from gaining too much influence in the government. - ensure no nominee could campaign for support to prevent rivalry among the candidates and to ensure that the candidates were elected based on their ability and not personal favour. - ensure that elected candidates did not reject their appointments so that all positions of responsibility in the government were filled up by the best 24 candidates.
Impact:
- Fairness in selection and greater opportunities to participate in governing Venice, prevented rivalry among the nobles to serve in the government which could destabilize the government - checks on power avoided dominance by anyone person - corrupt practices were checked and uprisings crushed leading to greater confidence in the government and support from locals and foreigners leading to peace and stability -Venice is stable and organised and this would lead to increase in trade and wealth
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Industrial Development
1] Shipbuilding Industry
2] Manufacturing industries
Impact: - Able to maintain a competitive edge over their trade competitors like Genoa and bring wealth to Venice
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Impact:
-able to find new opportunities and obtain profitable and exotic trade items - stayed ahead in the trade competition and Venice became one of the greatest cities in Europe - its connections brought traders from various countries to Venice to trade boosting Venices wealth.
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Impact:
-Able to dominate trade in the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year giving it an advantage over its competitors -Increased frequency of trade meant it could earn more profits and become wealthy and thus powerful.
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Impact:
- Merchant and battle fleets were able to travel further as the ships were not
dependent on wind to sail. - Venetians were able to expand their trade and territorial control. - Galleys in the ships discouraged pirates from launching attacks on Venetian trading ships making the passage of Venetian traders safer
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Impact:
- The efficiency of the system meant that Venice was able to expand its trade into many regions and increase its profits
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Impact:
- With Genoas defeat, Venice got rid of its main trade rival.
- This allowed it to have complete control of trade in the Mediterranean Sea bringing them more international trade. - With more wealth, Venice power grew.
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5] Trade Monopoly
- Venice was well located at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea - Central and Southern Europe depended on it for goods from the East like spices, sugar and diamonds - Venetian traders went to Arabian ports like Alexandria and Hormuz using overland and sea routes to sell these goods to other European states at a high price. - The other European states had no choice but to buy from Venice because its navy dominated the region Impact:
- Trade monopoly helped Venetian traders earn huge profits and allowed Venice to dominate trade in the area over its rivals
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Impact:
- efficient and convenient financial and insurance services as well as governments involvement attracted more traders to Venice increasing Venices trade and wealth. - Venice was able to keep up with the times due to willingness to adapt to changes allowing it to remain wealthy and powerful.
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Industrial Development
a] Manufacturing Industries - Venetians were enterprising - Diversified into manufacturing industries such as glassmaking, candles and scented soap to meet the demand for consumer goods as Venice prospered. - Venice also diversified into the printing industry to serve the large reading public Impact:
-More jobs were created for the people and Venice continued to prosper. -Skilled craftsmen from other parts of Europe came and settled in Venice resulting in the growth of a variety of high quality manufactured goods that Venice could sell. - Venice continued to become powerful as its wealth increased through diversification into manufacturing.
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Industrial Development
b] Shipbuilding Industry - Venetians were adaptable and responsive to circumstances
of the times Eg. Built the Arsenal so that shipbuilding industries like ship design, outfitting, maintenance and production of galleys could be centralised at one location.
Impact:
-The Arsenal became the backbone of Venetian maritime empire
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Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15th century] A Maritime Empire with: 1] Territorial Possessions -Had many territories along the trade routes
- Territories were obtained from its defeat of the Byzantine Empire and its defeat of pirates in the region
Impact:
- Territorial possessions allowed Venetian ships to stop over to replenish supplies and acted as rest stations for crew
- Territories obtained from the Byzantine Empire helped Venice strengthen its maritime authority in the Mediterranean Sea - Defeat of the pirates gave Venice full control of the Adriatic Sea - Venice therefore established its dominant commercial power and 44 earned the title, Queen of the Adriatic Sea.
Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15th century] A Maritime Empire with: 2] Social Transformation -Wealthiest state in Europe
- Venetian society became more diverse and cosmopolitan as a result of the mass arrival of foreigners.
- Foreign traders and merchants were attracted to come and stay in Venice as a result of the efficiency of trade - Venice also provided incentives like housing and citizenship to attract foreign talent to work and live in the country to sustain its commercial activities in the face of labour shortage. Impact: - Venice became cosmopolitan and were able to attract highly skilled craftsmen to sustain its development. 45
Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15th century] A Maritime Empire with: 3] Artistic Achievements - The skilled craftsmen and artists that came to work and live in Venice helped transform it into a centre of the arts in Europe. -Venice became famous for its mosaic art Impact:
-Attracted rich nobles from other European countries to Venice to admire the great works of art in the country
- This increased its reputation and wealth making it powerful.
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Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15th century] A Maritime Empire with: 4] Scientific and Literary Developments:
-Trade exposed Venetians to knowledge in other parts of the world and increased interest in the sciences - Nobles from other parts of Europe attended universities in Venice to learn more about the sciences - From the 14th century, the government provided funds to attract distinguished professors. - Academics from Venice were also sent to other countries to gain knowledge and then share their knowledge Impact:
Venice At the Height Of Its Power [15th century] A Maritime Empire with: 5] Economic Prosperity: -Skilled craftsmen were well paid in Venice.
- Guilds were created to ensure job security and high standards and quality of the goods produced.
Impact:
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- more time and money to spend on leisure - famous for architecture, paintings and mosaic - Giovanni Bellini: among earliest artists to use oil painting in artwork
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Good Leadership Reforms in the Government: to adapt to changes Maintain checks and balances
External Factors
Internal Factors
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2] Maritime Competition
Discovery of New Sea Routes
Foreign Threats
1] The Ottoman Empire - The Ottoman Empire originated from Turkey
- Powerful in Middle East and North Africa and replaced Genoa as Venices greatest trade rival by the 15th century.
- Expanded rapidly from the Middle East into Europe both by land and sea.
- Captured many of Venices coastal territories in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas and launched attacks against Venetian ships and territories from there.
- Venetians were forced to use their merchant fleet as naval ships to fight the Ottomans - Venetians fought many wars with the Ottomans to maintain their control of the Adriatic Sea eg. Ottomans fought a 7 year war with the Venetians in 58 the 15th century for control of the Aegean and Adriatic seas
Foreign Threats
1] The Ottoman Empire - In the 15th century, the Venetians tried to strike a balance of power with the Ottomans and their European neighbours at the same time. Eg. To protect its commercial interests, Venice would give concessions to the Ottomans when necessary. Later, they would get military aid from the European powers to fight the Ottomans to defend their territories - This insensitive action made the European countries resent Venice and in 1463, they left Venice to fight on their own against the Ottomans. - Venice lost a very important Eastern trade outposts in the 59 Mediterranean to the Ottomans.
Foreign Threats
1] The Ottoman Empire
Impact
- The use of the merchant ships as naval ships led to disruption of trade
leading to loss of profits for Venice. - The long wars with the Ottoman Empire for control of the Adriatic and Aegean Seas in the 15th century drained Venices resources and manpower and disrupted trade leading to loss of wealth. -Loss of coastal territories and the loss of the important Eastern trade outposts in the Mediterranean to the Ottomans affected Venetian traders as Ottomans imposed high tariffs on Venetian traders in the ports they controlled. Venices trade profits and wealth were greatly reduced. - Venice was greatly weakened.
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Ottoman Empire
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Foreign Threats
Impact
-Venices involvement in the mainland drained Venices financial and manpower resources as it had to employ a mercenary army to fight its battles due to is small population.
- It was constantly at risk of being attacked by larger states because they distrusted Venice as it constantly switched alliances to suit their interests. - Constant wars in the mainland also affected Venices overland commercial routes as it made the overland trade route unsafe. - Venice depended on these commercial crossroads for trade and wealth.
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Foreign Threats 3] The League of Cambrai - Other states in the mainland grew jealous of Venices prosperity and
growing power and influence over Northern Itlay. - They were also unhappy with Venice insensitive diplomatic relations in the mainland. - Decided to form an alliance in 1508 to destroy Venice and take over its territories. This alliance was known as the League of Cambrai. - It consisted mainly of major powers in Europe like Spain, Hungary and France - It defeated Venice at the Battle of Agnadello and captured many of its territories
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League of Cambrai
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Maritime Competition
1] Discovery of New Sea Routes - Many European states were exploring new sea routes for trade purposes.
The Portuguese Vasco Da Gama travelled round the Cape of Good Hope in Africa to reach Callicut in India, a thriving spice centre found new sea route to India and the East. -could bypass Venice-controlled territories to buy their spices directly from India - Portuguese captured key areas the East in Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean
Impact
- Venice monopoly of the profitable spice trade destroyed - Portuguese provided competition for Venice and reduced its profits which the Venetian traders had earned for centuries. - Lost its important position as middlemen between the East and the West - no more the main sea power in Europe 69
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However, Venice was still able to survive economically as: - The Venetians were diversifying into manufacturing such as
glassware which were highly profitable and were in high demand from both the East and West. - Venetians were also creative and innovative in creating and developing trade-related services such as banking and financial services. - Venice continued to function as a trade centre in the western Mediterranean Sea and continued to be the main supplier of Mediterranean goods such as wine, raisins and Persian silk to cities like Lisbon in Portugal.
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Impact
-Venice position as an entrepot port was badly affected by these new competitors - Venice was able to imitate the design of the ships used by the British and the Dutch but their sailors did not have the skills to operate them. -Venice protectionist policy in its ports did not attract traders as it proved to be too costly to trade with the Venetians.
-Venice became less popular as a port of call and it began to lose some of its trading partners resulting in economic losses.
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Political Challenges
Corruption in the Government
Social Challenges
Over-dependence on Mercenaries
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Political Challenges
1] Corruption in the Government - to finance wars with the Ottomans and the neighbouring states, the Venetian government suspended the salaries of the civil servants and placed higher taxes on trade. - led to unhappiness among the nobles who formed the civil service as they became poorer with the salary suspension as well as disruption to trade during the wars. - candidates to high positions in the government bribed poor nobles to vote for them. Corruption became the norm in elections - Positions were also being sold to raise funds for the government to fight wars.
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Impact
- The suspension of salaries caused resentment among the nobility and led to division within the nobility classes. - Bribery led to inefficient and incompetent leaders being Elected to the government
-Incompetent leaders were more concerned with their own interests than with the development of the city-state
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Political Challenges
2] Incompetent Leaders - Venice faced the challenge of a shrinking pool of nobility as older families died. - There were fewer people to choose from to fill the highest offices. -Noble families arranged marriages among themselves to retain their wealth and property -The rotation of duties to ensure no family or individual could dominate the government also meant competent officers would have to leave office after one term. Incompetent leaders may be chosen. -For Example: The appointment of two capable men in the civil affairs as Captain Generals in the Navy. They lacked military knowledge or experience and Venice suffered great naval defeats under their 77 command. They were Nicolo da Canal and Antonio Grimani.
Impact
- With fewer people to take up positions, the quality of leadership weakened - As more power and wealth were in the hands of a few families, they used the government as a tool to further their interests at the expense of the interest of the city-state. - A small group of rich nobles dominated the government from the 16th century making renewal of leadership a challenge. - Corruption was common in higher offices as power lay in the hands of a few. - Incompetent leaders or officers would not be able to plan and implement policies to ensure Venices sustainable growth and may even lead Venice to suffer heavy losses in battles. -other states did not see Venice as a strong power anymore
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3] Over-Dependence on Mercenaries
-It was a common practice for Venice to hire mercenaries mercenaries to fight their wars eg. with the Ottomans and Genoa as it was a small country with many territories and a small population. - The Black Death had also taken many Venetian lives and so there was a need to get mercenaries to fill the ranks of the army. - Venice became over-reliant on these mercenaries to defend their interests
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3] Over-Dependence on Mercenaries
Impact
- Led to increased expenditure as they have to pay high salaries to the mercenaries to fight. - The mercenaries lacked a sense of loyalty as they fought for whoever paid them better. - Some of these soldiers did not remain loyal to Venice and even plotted against Venice. Eg. In 1619, French mercenaries plotted to take the Ducal Palace and kill the Senate members. Although the plot was discovered, it showed that the mercenaries could not be trusted to fully protect Venice. - When Venice could not pay these mercenaries well when their prosperity declined, the mercenaries offered their services to other countries against Venice 80
Social Challenges
1] Complacency of Venetian Society - rich nobles indulged in fine living and became less involved in administration and development of the city state. - Gap between the rich and the poor widened. - they lavished in countless parades and celebrations - year-end party lasted for weeks - poor and rich were involved in gambling lost their fortunes - they were not willing to volunteer to serve state e.g. in 16th century, government could not find volunteers to serve in navy
Impact
- became easily distracted from daily duties and productive work - committment level of people reduced drastically
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- Venice refused to join alliance with the Italian states against Napoleon because it feared provoking the French
- when attacked by Napoleon, Venetian leaders did not resist for fear of losing possessions - 12 May 1797: 4,000 French entered Venice without a gunshot being fired
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External Reasons 1 Wars with Ottoman Empire 2 Involvement in the mainland 3 League of Cambrai 4 Discovery of a New Sea Route 5 Competition from New Trade Rivals
Internal Reasons 1 Corruption in the Government 2 Complacency of Venetian Society 3 Incompetent / Incapable Leaders 4 Over-dependence on Mercenaries
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Lesson 1: Capable and Committed Leadership Venice at its peak: Venice in decline:
- leaders neglected responsibilities
- more concerned for self than state - Corrupted and Inefficeint
above self - capable and forwardlooking - Responsive to threats and challenges, adaptable to challenges
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Lesson 2: Adaptability
Venice at its peak: - Venetians were well informed and had innovative practices eg GIRO banking - Diversified into manufacturing - Used technology to stay ahead of competitors and diversified economy to stay competitive Venice in decline: - did nothing to keep up with the times. eg followed own style of shipping despite rise of VOC and EIC - Could not come up with solutions to the new sea routes discovered by their competitors and came up with unrealistic new laws that contributed to their decline
What we can learn about Sustaining Economic Devt? - important to adapt to changes taking place to stay relevant - eg globalisation and Information Technology - the quicker one adapts, the better the chance of survival -Seize opportunities to keep up with changes
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Venice in decline: - involved themselves in the political struggles in mainland Europe and made many enemies -Insensitive to their neighbouring countries and played one power against another -Refused to work with other rising countries like Portugal when they discovered a new sea route
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Venice in decline: - mercenaries preferred to serve other states which paid them better - Venetians more concerned for self than state - Venetians did not care for state
Venice in decline:
- complacent due to past success - cared more for self than state
What we can learn? - we must be prepared to make sacrifices - must remain committed to the nation - must guard against complacency
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Venice in decline:
-Failed to look at challenges as opportunities - Failed to respond to competitions
What we can learn? - the government must constantly seek out new Opportunities for sustaining our growth to Overcome competitions
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How does Singapore ensure that its leaders do not abuse their power?
- there are opposition members in Parliament to question - there are also nominated MPs to question the government - CPIB keeps a close check on government officials
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By providing good customer service, efficiency in port operations, and competitive pricing, among other things..
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How does Singapore attract foreign traders and companies to start businesses here?
- provision of incentives to foreign investors - ensuring stability with good political and economic structures
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- they contribute to the economy with the skills they bring in - provides opportunities for locals to learn from foreign talent
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Singapore is an independent state which needs to rely on itself for survival. National Service would allow Singapore to build up its army, which would act as a deterrence for any attempt to attack Singapore
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City-state
A state which is independent of its surrounding areas and thrives in its independence. Usually, a city-state is small in size but due to its economic and political vibrancies, is able to make its presence known in the region.
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Nobility
A group of people within a state/country who are considered the highest in the social class.
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Coastal territories
Territories along the coast or sea. These territories were very important during the Middle Ages. If a state was able to control the territories, the state would be able to dominate trade.
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Trade monopoly
This is a practice of dominating trade, especially to the East. Monopoly was acceptable during the Middle Ages but naturally it also brought about jealousy among the states.
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Mercenaries
A common practice during the Middle Ages was to employ soldiers to fight for them. These soldiers are called mercenaries. Mercenaries usually fight for states which pay them well. However, there were mercenaries who remained loyal to the state they were fighting for, for a long time.
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