Final answer:
The 12th century expansion of Bordeaux was driven by the strengthening of the French monarchy under King Phillip II, which included the centralization of power and territorial expansion, leading to more stable governance and economic growth in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The event in the 12th century that allowed Bordeaux to expand was the consolidation of power under the French monarchy, particularly during the reign of King Phillip II. By the late 12th century, the French monarchs began a process of territorial expansion at the expense of their vassals.
King Phillip II managed to extend Capetian control over various regions, including Bordeaux, which benefited from the stabilization and centralized power that came with royal oversight.
As the French monarchy became stronger, more effective central government emerged, leading to the restructuring of local governance where royal appointees replaced vassals and church officials. This shift allowed the cities, including Bordeaux, to thrive as they were no longer under the fragmented control of multiple feudal lords.
The increased centralization also led to advancements in agriculture, and in turn, a rise in population and trade activity.
Furthermore, the economic conditions in the wake of the Black Death in the late 1300s created an environment where peasants and artisans could demand better pay, which fueled more commercial activity in Bordeaux.
This commercial activity then fed into the city's expansion as it became a key trading hub across the English Channel and beyond. Overall, the fortification of royal power and the resulting political and economic stability were crucial elements in allowing Bordeaux to grow during the 12th century and onwards.