Pre-Industrial European Technology: Ancient Roots, Medieval Rise

Technological Progress in Pre-Industrial Europe

Ancient Innovations and Stagnation

In comparison to ancient times, the Middle Ages seem to have been more innovative and fruitful for technological development benefiting the population at large. While there were significantly more innovations in China than in Europe during certain periods, why did conditions stagnate in Europe initially?

Pre-Roman and Transitional Innovations

Various mechanical innovations were established in pre-Roman times, such as salt extraction and domestic tools. Innovations dating to the pre-Roman transition include the harvester, barrel, and soap.

Roman Era Developments and Limitations

In ancient times, developments included central heating, cement, and various architectural advancements. However, these were not capitalized upon to their full potential.

Factors Influencing Innovation in Antiquity

Several factors influenced the pace and nature of innovation in Antiquity:

• Institutions and Property Rights: Latifundia (large estates) concentrated property in the hands of the elite, with benefits largely restricted to Roman citizens. This system often disincentivized broader innovation.
• Slavery: While providing cheap labour, slavery meant workers lacked motivation and incentive to innovate or improve processes.
• The State: Despite a strong administrative organization, the efficiency of controlling representatives in distant provinces was questionable, potentially impacting consistent policy implementation that could foster innovation.
• Societal Openness and Cultural Interaction: There was cultural interaction and trade with foreigners both within and outside the empire, alongside an interest in making use of foreign inventions. This presented opportunities for technological diffusion.
• Hierarchy of Values: A prevailing disrespect towards individuals working in trade and the economy could have suppressed practical innovation.
• Population Density: An extreme increase in population density also characterized the period, which could have various effects on resource demand and labour availability.

Consequently, Roman society persisted at a pre-industrial level, with nearly no innovation in machinery.

Medieval Technological Renaissance

The medieval period witnessed significant technological creativity.

Key Agricultural and Industrial Innovations

• Innovation of mills
• Utilization of horses
• Improved ploughs
• Three-field crop rotation
• Advancements in shipbuilding, which improved transport and reduced transaction costs.

These led to an extreme increase in labour productivity.

12th Century Proto-Industry and Beyond

The 12th century saw the rise of proto-industry, particularly in textile production with inventions like the spinning wheel and the horizontal weaving loom with a foot pedal. Other significant innovations included the wheelbarrow and blast furnaces. This marked a wide variety of new inventions and innovations.

Europeans started to control more energy, machines, and organizational knowledge than previous and contemporary societies. Medieval technology was not particularly fancy or grand, but it resulted in sustained, improved options for production.

Organizational Foundations for Medieval Progress

Organizational improvements also played a crucial role:

• Guilds
• Commercial law
• Marine insurance
• Rural institutions such as feudalism and systems of land tenure.

Explaining Europe's Catch-Up

What can explain the successful catch-up race of Europe?

• The direct effect of technological improvement.
• The standard theory of economic growth, which posits a strong assumption that investment is essential for growth.
• Market integration and the importance of trade.