“Trade was the most important factor in the development of the Northern Renaissance in Burgundy and Germany.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the importance of trade in the development of the Northern Renaissance. To agree with the statement, it may be argued that trade between Italy and Northern Europe was the main means of disseminating ideas that emerged in Italy. There may also be discussion of the concept of cultural exchange. However, with regard to the Northern Renaissance some may argue that the Reformation and the weakening of feudalism were particularly important in the spread and acceptance of new ideas. This could be supported by referring to the fact that the Reformation led to major developments in art with the decline of religious paintings and the emergence of secular paintings and landscapes. There may also be some discussion of the increasing availability of books which helped spread understanding of ideas such as Humanism, as well as the importance of key thinkers such as Erasmus. Some may reach the conclusion that it was a combination of factors that stimulated the emergence of the Northern Renaissance and that no single factor was dominant. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that trade was the most important factor in the development of the Northern Renaissance in Burgundy and Germany.