Commercial Revolution

In this episode, we focus on the Commercial Revolution, a major turning point that transformed Europe from a largely feudal, land-based society into a global trade economy. We explore how demand for luxury goods, maritime expansion, and overseas colonization reshaped commerce from the late Middle Ages through the mid-18th century. The episode highlights key financial innovations such as modern banking, joint-stock companies, and insurance systems that helped merchants manage risk and fund long-distance trade. We also examine the wider consequences of this era, including the rise of Atlantic powers, inflation from the influx of precious metals, the growth of the Atlantic slave trade, and the economic foundations that helped make the Industrial Revolution possible.