Final answer:
The growth of exchange networks after 1200 was fueled by economic growth in Europe, development of commercial infrastructure, and supported by advancements in environmental knowledge. This led to specialized trade, wider socioeconomic changes, and the formation of a globalized society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causes and effects of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200 can be attributed to several factors including the revitalization of trade routes, economic systems, and environmental knowledge. In the 13th century, Europe saw substantial economic growth, revitalizing ancient trade routes which were fueled by the development of the modern commercial infrastructure, such as double-entry bookkeeping, joint stock companies, international banking systems, and government debt. The city-states of Italy, particularly Florence, played a central role by becoming de facto independent and serving as the financial industry's hub.
These new economic activities were supported by advancements in environmental knowledge, which allowed people to understand and adapt to climatic changes. A series of challenging climate shifts in the 14th century, for example, influenced competition for resources and triggered significant social and economic transformations. This included the shift from subsistence agriculture to surplus production, allowing populations to gather in towns engaging in more specialized trades and contributing to the growth of interconnected economies.
The expansion of economic activities and the exchange of cultures following the crises of the fourteenth century redefined geopolitical, social, and religious landscapes. This set the stage for an increasingly globalized society, with continuing technological innovations and trade driving the interconnectedness of different parts of the world. The aftermath of events like the Black Death led to numerous changes such as improved wages for peasants and artisans, promoting commercial activity and expanding Mediterranean trade dominated by Italian merchants, effectively setting precedent for modern economies.