Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Edited the html again!
Melvin's post was super messy.
BYE!
Esther
Class 406'09
Jaywalkers
A class who played and worked hard
8:59 PM
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ok here's the next part : Viewpoint question.
1) The discovery of a new sea route to the East in the late 15th century was a setback for Venice. Do you agree? EYA.
I agree that the discovery of a new sea route to the East in the late 15th century was a setback for Venice. The discovery of a new sea route by the Portuguese was a setback as it destroyed Venice's trade monopoly. When Vasco da Gama sailed round the Cape of Good Hope, it led to a short-cut to India. The new trade route meant that the Portuguese and other Europeans could bypass completely the Venetian traders as they could buy their spices directly from India. So, this destroyed her monopoly and reduced her profits which Venice had been earning for centuries. This loss in trade monopoly meant that new trade rivals emerged through the English and Dutch. Venice was unable to compete with them as they had better ships and more financial resources. Losing trade meant that prosperity in Venice decreased tremendously. In this way, the discovery of a new sea route proved to be disastrous for Venice.
However, the discovery of a new sea route was not a total setback for Venice as this did not mean the end-all for trading activities in Venice. It was not a total disaster as Venice had alternatives to conduct trade. The Venetians had access to the overland trade route as the Portuguese did not want the overland trade route used by the Venetians to end completely. Despite the rise of Portuguese power, Venice was still able to play a major role in the East-West trade as the Portuguese officials were willing to allow Venetian traders access to Portuguese-controlled ports in return for money. Furthermore, the discovery of a new sea route was not a total disaster for Venice as she was plauged by even greater problems such as corruption, complacency and loss of territory.
Finally, I disagree that the discovery of a new sea route was a setback as even without the discovery of a new sea route, Venice would have fallen as she had too many internal problems such as corrupt and incapable leaders and a complacent society. As Venice had incapable leaders, they were not able to find other ways to prosper even if they had lose their trade monopoly to the other Europeans. Venice also lacked the ability to adapt to change when she faced external threats like wars and loss of territory. Again, the government was not able to provide solutions to their loss of trade problem - such as cutting a canal through the Suez to link the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea; then the discovery of the new sea route would not have been a setback at all. The greatest setback for Venice was not the discovery of a new sea route but it was her inability to adapt to change, to innovate in order to keep up with progress.
2) Did Venice's unique political system help or hinder Venice? EYA.
Venice's unique political system was a help to Venice because Venice had a very strong government. Venice had an exemplary political system - while European states practised feudalism, Venice was a republic as the leaders were elected and this was closest to modern day democracy. Election was based on nomination, balloting and voting to ensure that there was neither nepotism nor incompetent leaders. In the beginning, the leaders were forward looking and capable. Talented people were elected to serve in the government. Practical policies were implemented to respond to the demands of a changing environment eg paying pirates to stop harrassing its trading ships until they built up a strong navy. The Venetian government also accommodated the stronger powers to obtain trading privileges and asserted its power against the weaker ones. The Signoria was formed to check on power such that dictatorship was not allowed so as to secure the loyalty of the people.
Venice's unique political system was a hindrance to Venice because the government was corrupt and incompetent. By the 17th century, Venice lacked the ability to face her external threats and so crumbled very quickly internally due to corruption. To finance wars, the government obtained revenue from the salaries of the civil servants and imposed higher taxes. Poverty caused the poor nobles to vote for the rich who could pay them well. Corruption led to a small group of nobles who held office for fame and wealth rather than contribute to the well-being of Venice. Since political power was concentrated in about 100 men from 30 families, this led to abuse of power as they were only interested in perpetuating their power, prestige and wealth. There were no permanent competent navy and army leaders as no family was allowed to control the government. Incompetent military leaders were punished but Venice failed to realise that it needed to change its system of selected leaders. Venice also did not conscript its citizens into the army and so, relied to heavily on mercenaries for its defence. When Venice faced decline, she could not afford large mercenary armies.
Finally, Venice's political system was more a help than hindrance as it had the greatest impact on the rise of Venice as any society would need capable leaders if it were to rise and grow. It was the exemplary political system that made Venice grow to become a city of trade, wealth and power from the 9th to 15th centuries. The political system led to economic success and social stability. The fall of Venice was not only brought about by the political system but rather by external events sycg as wars with the Ottoman Empire. The complecent people were not able to adapt to new challenges and thus, lost Venice' supremacy.
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Ok that should be all, anyway I really can't predict what will come out for viewpoint, but this is just the 2 essays I found. Good luck!
Melvin
Class 406'09
Jaywalkers
A class who played and worked hard
6:41 PM
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ok lah! I know some of you are thinking that 'ahh that Melvin Tan hor, say will post SS notes SOON, where is it sia?!!'
LET ME TELL YOU, IN YOUR FACE, THAT HERE I AM POSTING IT NOW! =D
So anyway, Mr Rafi already told us what to study, and I will only post 1 of the chapters.
(Reason : 1 of the chapter wont come out for O levels, and the other one Mr Rafi gave us notes liao)
Hmm, I will be posting about both rise and fall, and also some viewpoint questions, so my guess is :
ONE OF THE RISE/FALL WILL COME OUT, and I not sure about viewpoint cause there are 21784527153712657643612743538641289 ways of asking.
Venice
1) Rise of Venice
i) Intro
From the 10th century, the Byzantine Empire began to show signs of weakening. Relations with Venice began to turn sour when Venice challenged the Byzantine's commercial dominance in the East. Venice used the opportunity of developments in Europe to expand its trade and territories. I agree/disagree that ________ is the most important factor in the rise of Venice. ________ and _________ played a part too.
ii) Factors
1) Leadership
Venice have capable leaders who are far sighted that contributed to the rise of Venice. First, there was Doge Pietro II Orseolo who brought peace by reconciling the feuding cities, negotiating treaties with major powers and subduing the pirates in Dalmatia. Next, Doge Enrico Dandolo, by directing the Fourth Crusade in the 12th century and capitalising on circumstances, weakened the Byzantine Empire and captured Constantinople. The brought recognition from the other states and helped Venice to control some of the important territories which had once belonged to the Byzantine Empire. Finally, Doge Pietro Ziani followed an expansionist policy and extended Venice's control over the Mediterranean Sea. All these boost Venetians trade, which increase profits from trade earnings for Venice. Hence, Venice prospered and rise of Venice.
2) Reforms in the Government
From the 12th century onwards, changes were made to the structure of government. One change was the creation of the Great Council, made up of men from the most powerful and influential families in Venice. This council had multiple roles to perform including the election of capable members to all councils and the passing of laws. It was later reorganised, with the formation of the Senate, in the 13th century so that it could focus on the more important duties. For example, it oversaw foreign relations matters, commercial challenges that were posed by Venice growth. To maintain a system of checks and balances of power held by the top officials, the Council of Ten was formed. It could even limit the power of the Doge and dealt with critical matters such as those concerning the internal security of the state. As a result of these governmental changes, Venice built up a system of government that was well prepared to meet the demands of the people and the growing city-state. Thus this was an important reason for the rise of Venice.
3) Trade Developments and Expansion
Venice displayed a highly positive and aggressive attitude towards trade. It was skilful at obtaining favourable terms of trade compared to its competitors, such as Genoa, and so had an edge over them. Furthermore, the Venetians showed an enterprising spirit which took them to distant unfamiliar lands in search of new routes and new items of trade as well as new markets. This helped Venice to grow in trade. Additionally, Venice made good use of advances in maritime technology (in the fields of navigation and weaponry). These gave Venetian vessels to voyage even in the winter time. Venice's superb ship-building skills led to the construction of vessels that were superior to those of their competitors. The armed Venetian great galleys were able to range further than before and so help expand its trade reach. Added to this was the state's efficient management system for all voyages made by Venetian ships. Thus, the strong, positive and aggressive attitude that Venice took towards trade, aided by innovations in maritime technology and an efficient system of management of trade, helped push Venice ahead of its rivals and to rise to prominence and wealth.
4) Industrial Development
These development were prompted by the expansion of Venice's trade. For instance, the state's ship-building industry, centralised at the Arsenal, kept pace with the demand for great galleys in the 13th century. The Arsenal became the backbone of Venice's maritime industry and power. As Venetians grew wealthier, ther began to demand for goods, such as glassware. This in turn led to the growth of manufacturing industries. New industries, such as the printing industry, also assisted in the rise of Venice by creating more jobs. This industrial development helped generate more employment which attracted even foreign talents to Venice. The industries helped create more wealth for Venice and in that way helped it to rise.
iii) Weighing the Factors
Without an effective political system, there would not be capable individuals in the role of leadership. However, without the cooperation of the Venetians, Venice would not have succeeded. The political system provided the infrastructure for Venice to flourish. The Venetian people themselves were adventurous people who went on explorations both on land and by sea. They discovered new markets like China and Greenland and these discoveries helped to generate business, fortune and venture for Venice. Capable leadership was therefore largely responsible for the success of Venice. Without them, there would not be sound economic and social policies. However, these leaders could only put their skills to good use if there was a sound political system. In addition, the personality of the Venetians themselves also contributed to the success of Venice.
2) Fall of Venice
i) Introduction
Venice faced a gradual decline from the 15th to the 18th centuries. While the Venetians prided themselves on their successes, they overlooked several events and developments unfolding in the region. They were not as responsive to these changing circumstances. I agree/disagree that ________ is the most important factor for the fall of Venice. However, there are two other factors : ________ and ________.
ii) Factors
1)Foreign Threats
Firstly, their involvement in the mainland was brought about by their desire to protect their territories and commercial interests. They did this by taking advantage of the rivalry among the mainland states. Venice constantly switched alliances with different opposing states. This was risky (as Venice could be attacked) and so Venice had to build up a mercenary army. Another threat was from the Ottoman Empire which competed with Venice for control of the Adriatic Sea. Venice had to use its precious galleys to fight the Ottomans. This disrupted its use of galleys for trading purposes. Also, to contain the Ottomans, Venice tried to strike a balance of power with the Ottomans and their European neighbours at the same time. This action caused its European neighbours to develop a deep hostility towards Venice. Venice's growing influence in the region made it unpopular among the various mainland states. This lead them to create a military alliance against Venice. It was known as the League of Cambrai. It fought wars against Venice and had some success in taking over some of Venice's territories. As a result of the many wars fought by Venice against its various foreign threats, Venice's resources were weakened. This force Venice to take the unpopular step of raising taxes to finance the employment of its mercenary armies.
2) Maritime Competition
In the 15th century, the Portuguese succeeded in pioneering a new sea trade route to the East. As a result, they destroyed Venice trade monopoly of the lucrative spice trade and greatly reduced the large profits which the Venetian traders had earned. However, Venice continued to function as a trade centre in the western Mediterranean Sea. Venice also expanded its trade to the North Sea. Further maritime challenges to Venice came from firstly, the Dutch and then the English who from the 17th century, began to centure to the East too to get their supplies, thus bypassing the Venetians. This affected Venice's position as an entrepot port. The Dutch and British had better-designed ships than the Venetians too. As a result of these maritime challenges, Venice imposed a protectionist policy. They imposed higher duties on foreign traders. This policy drove traders away from Venetian ports. Thus Venice lost some of its trading partners.
3) Political Challenges
Prosperity brought with it a weakening of the government. This gradually led to Venice's political decline. For example, the shrinking number of nobility as older families died, affected their appointment to the highest offices. Policies were created not to serve the interests of the city-state but the self-interests of the nobility. From the 16th century, a small group of rich nobles dominated the government. As a result, renewal of leadership became a challenge and corruption became inevitable. Due to the policy of rotations of duries, when there were no competent officers available to take over, power was handed to incompetent officers. This led to disastrous consequences for Venice in its wars against the Ottomans for example. There was also growing corruption in the government as poor nobles sold their votes at a high price. This meant that leadership was determined by wealth and not talent or capability. This led to incompetent leaders taking positions in the government. Due to its small population and many enemies, Venice became over-dependent on mercenaries to fight its wars. This was a costly decision as the loyalty of these troops was questionable.
4) Social Challenges
The Venetians became less prepared for war as they shifted their focus away from security matters. Having lived in peace and stability meant that they were more concerned about wealth than maintaining the security of the city-state. The nobles became more distant from the commoners and the gap between the rich and poor widened. Many wealthy nobles indulged in lavish parties and celebrations. Such complacency and indulgence slowed down and eventually stopped the progress of the Venetian society. With the people not committed to the cause of the city-state, Venice went into decadence leading to its decline.
iii) Weighing the Factors
In conclusion, the fall of Venice's trade could be attributed largely to the discovery of the new trade route as she no longer had a monopoly of the trade. However, even with the discovery, she could have continued to flourish if the Venetians did not become complacent and weak and her political system did not fail. The discovery of a new sea route was the trigger that caused the decline of the state. The effects of the new sea route revealed the lack of proper long term planning in Venice and the inadequate policies practised.
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K I have done so far the factors part, next post then I post about viewpoint questions. :)
Oh ya, not forgetting to mention that this work is not done by me. I merely copy and paste different sources and merge into essays. Some from books, some from sites, and some from Mr Rafi which I can't even remember where I got them from! :P
Class 406'09
Jaywalkers
A class who played and worked hard
6:00 PM
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hi.
I'm sure everyone received the parting gift from Mr Loh. ):
And maybe wondered about what the French words mean.
-Je pense à toi sans cesse.
It means "I will think of you always."
Sad.
Anw, prelims are 2 days away.
Jiayou!
Maybe we should put a countdown clock.
Lols.
Nvm, too lazy.
BYE!
Esther
Class 406'09
Jaywalkers
A class who played and worked hard
7:19 PM
