1. Commercial Revolution
Innovations in banking and finance promoted the growth of financial centers and a money economy
The growth of commerce produced a new economic elite of bankers and merchants

2. Shift from Mediterranean to Atlantic

3. Reasons for Dutch Golden Age
Strong middle class
Most cosmopolitan cities in Europe
Industries: international banking, increased trade, and growing merchant class
Attracted to Calvinism because emphasis on labor well done (most of wealthy in Low Countries self made)
Working class people get on board to get hired

5. Dutch Golden Age Because of Spices

6. Europe and the Slave Trade
Motivations for Exploration
Christianity
Governments and religious authorities sought to spread the faith (mainly Catholics as part of Counter Reformation)
Consequences
Christianity justification for subjection and slavery of indigenous peoples
Expansion African slave trade in response to establishment of plantation economy in Americas and genocide of indigenous peoples