Final answer:
Between 1300 to 1450, Italy was the most urbanized society with cities like Venice and Florence leading in manufacturing, closely followed by the economically dominant Ming Dynasty in Asia with prosperous manufacturing centers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Urbanized Empire Between 1300-1450
During the period from 1300 to 1450, Italy exhibited significant urbanization and was engaged heavily in manufacturing. The rise of cities like Venice, Florence, and Milan, which housed over 100,000 inhabitants, signaled a period of rapid growth and development. This urbanization was supported by substantial migrations from rural areas to cities, widespread trade, the emergence of a wealthy class demanding luxury goods, and an unparalleled agrarian revolution.
Meanwhile, the Ming Dynasty in Asia was also economically dominant with thriving manufacturing centers and agricultural productivity. The capacity for mass production and technological advancements, along with excellent irrigation systems and canal transport, facilitated an empire-wide market for high-quality goods. This period of prosperity led to significant increase in urban populations and the creation of major cities.
In comparison, China under the Song Dynasty earlier had witnessed an explosion in iron production and use of large-scale factory production and mechanization that was ahead of its time. However, by the 1300s, this period of rapid development had plateaued, and while Song China had been technologically advanced, it was the Italian city-states and the Ming Dynasty that dominated the manufacturing and urban landscape during 1300 to 1450.