Decline of Venice

365 Words2 Pages
Decline of Venice External factors, such as foreign threats and maritime competition, contributed to the decline of Venice. Their involvement in the mainland, made Venice’s act of switching alliances with different opposing states proved that it was constantly treading on fragile relation with the larger state. Venetians had to equip themselves with a strong army, despite their small population. During the Ottoman Empire, they were success in weakening Venice because many lives, wealth, trade and territories were lost. Venice’s growing influence in the region made it unpopular amongst the various mainland states. In 1508, the League of Cambrai, which was formed against Venice, it was consisted of major powers in Europe such as Spain, Hungary and France. Venice also lost some of her resources. Venice fought with big states like France and Spain; therefore it is impossible for Venice to win. The discovery of a new trade route by a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama destroyed Venice’s monopoly in the popular spices trade. Venice’s traditional route was shorter, time consuming, however, it is considered unsafe due to robbers and plunderers. The new trade rivals, who were the English and British, Venice continued to suffer. The new trade rivals were equipped with better ships so they were better in a way then the Venetians. Venice then imposed a protectionist policy and higher duties on foreign trader. As a result, Venice could come under attack and overland trade route unsafe. They had to raise taxes because of it loss and to finance its mercenary armies and weapons. The discovery of a new trade route by a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama destroyed Venice’s monopoly in the popular spices trade. Venice’s traditional route was shorter, time consuming, however, it is considered unsafe due to robbers and plunderers. The new trade rivals, who were the English and British,
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