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Description
Author Howard J. Erlichman
Publisher Prometheus Books 2010
Format hardccover with dustjacket, we protect with plastic sleeves
condition like new
Summary
"Conquest, Tribute, and Trade: The Quest for Precious Metals and the Birth of Globalization" by Howard J. Erlichman offers a compelling exploration into the 16th-century origins of globalization, driven by the relentless pursuit of precious metals. Erlichman delves into how nations like Portugal, Spain, and the Dutch Republic harnessed gold, silver, and copper to ascend as global powers, challenging dominant empires and reshaping international trade dynamics. The narrative is enriched with vivid portrayals of iconic explorers such as Columbus, Da Gama, and Magellan, alongside influential monarchs and financiers who propelled these ventures. Erlichman meticulously examines the economic strategies and consequences of this era, illustrating how the influx of mineral wealth not only funded expansive empires but also led to prolonged conflicts and economic downturns, including Spanish state bankruptcies and the eventual rise of the Dutch Republic. This scholarly work provides readers with a nuanced understanding of how the quest for precious metals laid the groundwork for modern globalization, highlighting both the achievements and follies of these early economic pursuits.
