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

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The story of how a primate species created a world full of skyscrapers, airplanes, nuclear weapons, and vaccines. From the mass production of cotton weaving in the first industrial revolution of the 18th Century, to the digital revolution of today, this podcast will explore the ways our world has rapidly changed.