Commercial revolution
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In European history, the commercial revolution saw the development of a European economy – based on trade – which began in the 11th century AD and operated until the advent of the Industrial Revolutio
Italy in 1494, after the Peace of Lodi
Potosí (Bolivia) silver 8 reales, Carlos III, 1768
Spanish gold doubloon stamped as minted in 1798
The Moneylender and his Wife (1514) Oil on panel, 71 x 68 cm Musée du Louvre, Paris
Mercantilism
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Mercantilism is an economic system and type of nationalist economic policy that is designed to maximize the exports and minimize the imports of an economy. It seeks to maximize the accumulation of res
Commercial revolution
…and 16th centuries, which allowed European powers to build vast international trade networks. Nations also sought new sources of wealth and practiced mercantilism and colonialism. The Commercial Revolution is marked by an increase in general commerce, and in the growth of financial services such as banking…
Seaport at sunset, a painting by Claude Lorrain, completed in 1639 at the height of mercantilism
Merchants in Venice
French finance minister and mercantilist Jean-Baptiste Colbert served for over 20 years.
The Anglo-Dutch Wars were fought between the English and the Dutch for control over the seas and trade routes.