4 Hechos Históricos que hicieron posible al CAPITALISMO | Historia del CAPITALISMO - Resumen.

The Origins of Capitalism

The Crisis of Feudalism

• The first fundamental event leading to capitalism was the crisis of the feudal system during the late Middle Ages, where agriculture dominated life.

• Feudal lords began abusing their serfs, prompting many to escape and seek new lives away from feudal obligations, resulting in a declining population in rural areas.

• This decline led to food shortages and worsened living conditions exacerbated by diseases like the Black Death.

Emergence of the Bourgeoisie

• As serfs fled feudal lands, they formed small communities that eventually grew into larger cities known as "burgos," with their inhabitants called "bourgeois."

• These urban centers fostered new economic practices focused on craftsmanship and trade, which were pivotal for developing modern financial institutions like banks.

• Artisans organized into guilds and corporations to protect their professional interests, marking a shift towards more structured economic activities.

Economic Renaissance in Europe

• The 15th century saw an economic renaissance driven by artisans and merchants, particularly in cities like Florence, leading to significant growth.

• European exploration initiated by countries such as Portugal and Spain expanded trade routes globally, enhancing commerce beyond local city exchanges.

• A shift in mindset occurred; wealth became associated with accumulating goods and precious metals rather than solely agricultural output.

The Industrial Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution began in England during the mid-18th century, solidifying capitalism's foundations by transitioning from an agrarian economy to an industrial one.

• Factories emerged as peasants moved to cities for work; labor dynamics shifted from sharing harvest yields to receiving wages for machine operation.

• Workers faced long hours (12–16 hours daily), minimal rights, and machines replaced manual labor significantly increasing production efficiency.

Expansion of Capitalism

• Innovations such as the loom and steam engine revolutionized production methods while railroads facilitated rapid transportation of goods.

• By the late 19th century, a second phase of industrialization emerged due to new energy sources like electricity and oil, fostering a finance-centered capitalism model.