Final answer:
The Chinese financial system stimulated economic growth in Europe by contributing to the establishment of global trading networks and the inflow of silver, although the 1300s marked the beginning rather than the peak of this influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chinese financial system had a considerable impact on European cities in the 1300s, most notably through the development of global trading networks which led to significant economic growth in Europe.
Notably, the influx of silver from European trade with China helped stimulate this growth, especially after the Ming dynasty reversed its policy on foreign trade.
Following these policies, European cities saw the establishment of financial institutions similar to those in England, with the City of London ultimately emerging as a leading center of international finance. However, it is important to note that this financial influence from China did not directly cause immediate economic change in the 1300s.
It set the stage for developments that would unfold in the subsequent centuries, as the pieces for a global economy were being put into place and Europe began to advance in colonization and empire building.
To clarify an option from the question, although Marco Polo’s accounts of Yuan China portrayed a wealthy and powerful empire, by that time, China’s economic growth was stagnant due to inflation and heavy taxation.