Trade and the economy in Western Europe changed a lot from the Early to the Late Middle Ages. These changes showed how society was also changing during this time.

Early Middle Ages (about 500-1000)
In the Early Middle Ages, Europe had a system called feudalism. This meant that most trade was local and focused on farming products. After the fall of the Roman Empire, long-distance trade slowed down, which made people depend mostly on farming for their needs. Instead of money, people often traded goods directly.

• Self-sufficient Manors: Lords managed manors where peasants worked the land. In return, they got protection and a place to live. These manors produced most of what they needed, like food and other goods.
• Limited Trade Networks: There was some trade, but it was very limited. People mainly exchanged local products, with occasional trade with nearby places for things like cloth or spices.

High Middle Ages (about 1000-1300)
The High Middle Ages was a time when trade picked up and towns started to grow. People felt safer because farming was better and Viking attacks were decreasing.

• Emergence of Towns: Towns began to thrive as new trade routes opened. Cities like Venice and Bruges became important places for trade. Markets and fairs started, which helped people trade even more.
• Monetary Economy: People began using coins more often, which changed trading practices. Merchants created banking methods, including lending money.
• Trade Guilds: Craftspeople and traders formed groups called guilds to help control trade and protect their interests. This helped make the economy more stable and allowed it to grow.

Late Middle Ages (about 1300-1500)
In the Late Middle Ages, trade routes expanded even more, creating a more complex economy.

• International Trade: Trade connections started between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This happened because people wanted luxury items like silk and spices. Italian city-states were key players in this trade.
• Commercial Revolution: A big shift in the economy called the Commercial Revolution took place. New banking systems created new ways to keep track of money, like double-entry bookkeeping.
• Rise of Capitalism: During this time, the ideas of capitalism started to develop. More focus was placed on trading, investing, and making profits. Wealth from trade led to new social classes, including merchants and bankers.

In summary, the changes in trade and the economy from the Early to the Late Middle Ages show a movement from a simple farming system to a more connected trading system. This change helped lay the groundwork for the Renaissance and our modern economy.