1.  Aim/Goals: Why was the Commercial Revolution considered a turning point in world history?  Do Now: Why would someone want to open a business today? What are the risks? What are the benefits?  Homework: Write a newspaper article for the NY Times, comparing the increase of trade that has taken place over the past 60 years, with changes which took place during the Commercial Revolution. Which period of time saw the greatest changes take place? Explain.

2. E. Napp The Commercial Revolution marked an important step in Europe from local economies to a global economy.

3.  Merchants and bankers laid the foundations for capitalism.  In a capitalist system, business owners risk their capital (money) to start new businesses hoping to make profits.  Individuals formed joint-stock companies. E. Napp

4. A stock certificate represents partial ownership in a business.

5.  A Joint stock company is a privately owned company that sells stock or partial ownership in the company to investors.  Investors risk their capital or money when they purchase stock.  If the company is successful, the investor receives his share of the profits. E. Napp

6. Joint stock companies were sometimes given charters to establish settlements in the “New World”.

7. E. Napp European kings increased their wealth and power through conquest and colonization.

8. E. Napp While European Kings and capitalists increased their wealth, Native American Indians and Africans were terribly exploited.

9.  How did European nations increase their wealth and power?  Define capitalism.  Why did individuals invest in Joint stock companies?  What was the relationship between a mother country and a colony? E. Napp