The Price Revolution

The Price Revolution was a period, roughly from the late 15th to the early 17th century, when prices for goods and wages increased significantly across Europe. This inflation was driven mainly by the influx of silver and gold from the Americas, which increased the money supply. As more money circulated, the value of currency dropped, leading to higher prices for food, clothing, and other essentials. It affected economies by reducing the purchasing power of money, causing adjustments in wages, trade, and social conditions. Essentially, it was a time of widespread rising costs connected to increased precious metal wealth.