One of the biggest reasons for the increased European agricultural production in the medieval period was?

A) the introduction of a heavier plow.
B) the official support of the serfs by the popes.
C) the introduction of new crops from the Byzantine world.
D) the money invested in the countryside by the kings
(E) the agricultural loans guaranteed by powerful Italian banks. 


See my answer above.

To determine the correct answer to this question, we need to analyze the options and eliminate the incorrect ones.

A) The introduction of a heavier plow: While the introduction of new agricultural tools and techniques did contribute to increased agricultural production, it alone cannot be considered one of the biggest reasons. Agricultural tools were continuously evolving throughout the medieval period, and their impact may have varied across regions.

B) The official support of the serfs by the popes: While the support of the church was important in medieval society, the official support of the serfs by the popes did not directly lead to an increase in agricultural production.

C) The introduction of new crops from the Byzantine world: The introduction of new crops did play a role in increasing agricultural production to some extent. New crops brought from the Byzantine world, such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton, introduced a wider range of agricultural production and contributed to economic growth. However, the impact of new crops alone does not make it the biggest reason.

D) The money invested in the countryside by the kings: This option suggests that the investment of money in the countryside by the kings played a significant role in increasing agricultural production. By investing in agricultural infrastructure and development, the kings could have stimulated agricultural growth. This symbiotic relationship between the kings and agriculture was common in medieval Europe, making this option a valid answer.

E) The agricultural loans guaranteed by powerful Italian banks: While access to capital can support agricultural development, suggesting it as one of the biggest reasons may be an overstatement. Agricultural loans guaranteed by powerful Italian banks did exist, but their overall impact on European agricultural production during the medieval period is not significant enough to be considered the biggest reason.

After analyzing the options, the best answer is D) the money invested in the countryside by the kings. This option encompasses the support and investment provided by the ruling powers, which had a direct impact on agricultural growth.