Introduction

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 exploration
Portuguese trade in the East
Spanish conquest in the West
The mountain of silver at Potosi
How plantation commodities changed the world economy
The foundations of the transatlantic slave trade
The development of joint stock corporations, modern banking, and insurance