Economic Revolution Changes European Society
What were the effects on European society of the economic revolution that took place
in the 16th & 17th centuries? (list 5)
How did capitalism change the balance of power in European countries? (list 1)
1) The economic revolution in the 16th and 17th centuries led to a significant increase in trade and commerce, allowing for the growth of a middle class and the expansion of urban centers. This led to social mobility and the emergence of a new social order.
2) The economic revolution brought about an increase in agricultural productivity through the introduction of new farming techniques and technologies. This led to population growth and the ability to sustain larger populations.
3) The economic revolution also led to the exploration and colonization of new territories, as European powers sought to secure resources and establish trading outposts. This expansion led to increased interactions and cultural exchange between different regions and peoples.
4) The economic revolution spurred the development of new industries and manufacturing processes, leading to the growth of the industrial sector. This shift towards industrialization had profound effects on society, transforming traditional forms of work and leading to the rise of wage labor.
5) The economic revolution also had significant impacts on the role of women in society. While women had traditionally been confined to domestic roles, the growth of industries and urban centers created new opportunities for women to work outside the home and contribute to the economy.
Capitalism changed the balance of power in European countries by shifting economic power to the bourgeoisie, or the middle class. With the rise of capitalism, wealth became increasingly concentrated in the hands of merchants, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, rather than in the traditional aristocracy. This shift in economic power also led to a corresponding shift in political power, as those who controlled the means of production began to exert greater influence and control over society and government.