What triggered the transition from feudalism to capitalism, and how did that lead to the modern global economy?

**TL, DR: Feudalism led to unequal distribution of wealth, which led to the rise of a middle class and a shift towards capitalism, which eventually led to industrialization and the global economy we have today.**<br><br>The transition from feudalism to capitalism was a gradual process that occurred over several centuries, and it's difficult to pinpoint a single event or trigger that set it off. However, some key factors that contributed to this shift include:<br><br>*The rise of trade and commerce: During the Middle Ages, trade and commerce began to flourish, particularly in Europe. This led to the growth of cities and the emergence of a wealthy middle class. As trade and commerce expanded, the need for a system of exchange that was more efficient than bartering arose, which ultimately led to the development of money and banking.<br>*The decline of the feudal system: By the 14th century, the feudal system had begun to decline, and landowners were no longer able to maintain their power over the peasants. This led to the emergence of a new class of landowners who were more interested in making a profit from their land than in maintaining their power over the peasants.<br>*The rise of the nation-state: The rise of the nation-state in the 15th and 16th centuries also played a role in the transition from feudalism to capitalism. As nation-states grew in power, they began to take control of the economy, which led to the development of national markets and the growth of international trade.<br>*The discovery of the Americas: The discovery of the Americas by European explorers in the 15th century led to the growth of international trade, which in turn led to the growth of capitalism.<br><br>The transition from feudalism to capitalism also led to significant changes in the way economies were organized, including:<br><br>*The growth of cities: As trade and commerce expanded, cities began to grow, and by the 16th century, many European cities had become major centers of trade and commerce.<br>*The emergence of a new class of entrepreneurs: The growth of capitalism led to the emergence of a new class of entrepreneurs who were interested in investing in businesses and making a profit.<br>*The development of new technologies: The growth of capitalism also led to the development of new technologies, including the printing press, which was invented in the 15th century and allowed for the mass production of books, and the steam engine, which was invented in the 18th century and allowed for the mechanization of factories.<br><br>Overall, the transition from feudalism to capitalism was a gradual process that was driven by a variety of factors, including the growth of trade and commerce, the decline of the feudal system, the rise of the nation-state, and the discovery of the Americas.<br><br>The transition from capitalism to the modern global economy has also been a gradual process, and it's difficult to pinpoint a single event or trigger that set it off. However, some key factors that have contributed to this shift include:<br><br>*Globalization: The growth of international trade and the emergence of multinational corporations have led to a global economy that is increasingly interconnected.<br>*The rise of international finance: The growth of international finance has led to the emergence of global financial markets and the development of new financial instruments, such as derivatives and hedge funds.<br>*The growth of technology: The growth of technology has led to significant changes in the way economies are organized, including the development of the internet and the emergence of e-commerce.<br>*The rise of globalization: The growth of globalization has led to the emergence of a global economy that is increasingly interconnected, which has in turn led to the growth of international trade and the emergence of multinational corporations.