Q: Why was the rise of the medieval towns significant?
A: The rise of towns was a big step in the right direction for Medieval Europe. Towns promoted decentralization in the political and economic systems, and gave serfs an opportunity to get out of the obligations they had to their lords. If a serf could live in a town for over a year without being found by their lord, then they would be free.
Q: How can we account for western Europe’s sustained economic success?
A: Because of this decentralized political system, people could trade, increase their efficiency, and make more money without too much interference from the government. Since there were a lots of small-sized governments, if a tyrant began to arise in one place, the people there could just move to another place where the government was less suffocating. This competition between the various governments encouraged them to stay reasonable in their demands of the people. Without having to deal with high taxes or economic restrictions, the people thrived.
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