The Rise of the Trading State

The rise of the trading state refers to the period when countries focused on economic trade and international commerce to grow powerful. Instead of just using military conquest, these nations built strong trading networks, developed their economies, and accumulated wealth through commerce. This approach allowed them to increase their influence globally by controlling trade routes, resources, and markets. Examples include the Dutch and British during the 16th to 18th centuries, who used trading to expand their power and build global empires, shaping the modern economic and political landscape.