Document 1: Excerpt from “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith (1776) - This document discusses the impact of economic activities on social structures during the Industrial Revolution. - It highlights the emergence of a capitalist system and the division of labor, leading to the rise of a middle class and the decline of feudalism.

Document 2: Painting “The Peasant Wedding” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1568) - This painting depicts a peasant wedding, showcasing the social structure and economic activities of rural communities during the period. - It provides insights into the roles and interactions of different social classes, such as peasants, artisans, and nobility.

Document 3: Excerpt from “The Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli (1532) - This document explores the relationship between economic activities and political power during the Renaissance. - It discusses how rulers can maintain their authority by promoting economic growth and stability within their territories.

Document 4: Excerpt from “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” by Max Weber (1905) - This document analyzes the connection between religious beliefs, economic activities, and social structures. - It argues that Protestantism, with its emphasis on hard work and frugality, played a significant role in the development of capitalism and social mobility.

Document 5: Excerpt from “The Travels of Marco Polo” (1298) - This document provides insights into the economic activities and social structures of various civilizations during the late Middle Ages. - It discusses the impact of trade routes, such as the Silk Road, on the exchange of goods, ideas, and social hierarchies.

Document 6: Excerpt from “The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe” by Brian P. Levack (1987) - This document explores the connection between economic changes and the persecution of witches during the early modern period. - It argues that economic disruptions, such as inflation and unemployment, led to scapegoating and the targeting of marginalized individuals.

Document 7: Excerpt from “The Great Chain of Being” by Arthur O. Lovejoy (1936) - This document discusses the concept of the Great Chain of Being, a hierarchical structure that governed social and natural order during the Renaissance. - It explores how economic activities, such as trade and colonization, challenged and reshaped this social structure.

These seven documents provide a range of perspectives on the impact of economic activities on social structures between the years 1350-1650. By analyzing these sources, historians can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between economic changes, social hierarchies, and political power during this transformative period in history.