Chapter 3: The Rise of the Global Empires

Beginning in the 1300s, a rivalry between two kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula led to a whole lot of exploring, trading, and conquering. Before long, other European powers were getting in on the action. Not only did it transfer the gravity of the world’s political and economic power toward Europe, it set Europe on a path toward industrialization.In this episode, we’ll explore:The early days of European naval explorationPortuguese trade in the EastSpanish conquest in the WestThe mountain of silver at PotosiHow plantation commodities changed the world economyThe foundations of the transatlantic slave tradeThe development of joint stock corporations, modern banking, and insurance