How did an agricultural surplus relate to expanded trade during the High Middle Ages?
A.
Trade increased because surplus crops could be traded.(My answer)
B.
Trade decreased because surplus crops were needed to feed local populations.
C.
Trade decreased because surplus crops led to an oversupply of grains that could not be sold.
D.
Trade increased regionally but decreased globally because trade networks had shrunk.
Can someone please check this for me?
Yes, A.
Your answer "A. Trade increased because surplus crops could be traded." is correct.
During the High Middle Ages, agricultural surplus played a crucial role in expanding trade. As agricultural productivity improved, farmers were able to produce more than what was needed to feed local populations. This surplus allowed communities to engage in trade by exchanging their excess crops for other goods and services. The ability to trade surplus crops created a network of exchange and facilitated the growth of regional and international trade during this period.
To determine the correct answer, let's break down the question and analyze the options.
The question is asking about the relationship between agricultural surplus and expanded trade during the High Middle Ages. This period, spanning from the 11th to the 13th century, was marked by economic growth and increased trade. Now let's evaluate the options:
A. Trade increased because surplus crops could be traded.
This option suggests that the surplus crops played a role in expanding trade. Agricultural surplus refers to the excess agricultural production beyond what is needed for local consumption. This surplus could be traded with other regions or communities, leading to increased trade. Therefore, option A seems to relate correctly to expanded trade during the High Middle Ages.
B. Trade decreased because surplus crops were needed to feed local populations.
Option B suggests that surplus crops were primarily used to feed the local population, leading to a decrease in trade. However, this contradicts the concept of surplus, which by definition means there is more than what is needed locally. Therefore, option B seems less likely.
C. Trade decreased because surplus crops led to an oversupply of grains that could not be sold.
Option C also indicates a decrease in trade due to an oversupply of surplus crops. However, it assumes that the surplus could not be sold, which does not align with the general economic expansion and increased trade of the High Middle Ages. Therefore, option C is unlikely.
D. Trade increased regionally but decreased globally because trade networks had shrunk.
Option D suggests a regional increase in trade but a decrease on a global scale due to contracted trade networks. However, this option does not directly address the role of agricultural surplus in trade expansion, making it less relevant to the question. Therefore, option D seems less likely.
After evaluating all the options, it appears that option A, "Trade increased because surplus crops could be traded," aligns with the concept of agricultural surplus and its relationship to expanded trade during the High Middle Ages.