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Capitalism In Europe And China During The 18th Century

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During the 18th century, there was a dramatic surge in the production and consumptions of goods in China and Europe. Exports from Asia such as silk, porcelains, and cotton were luxuries in Europe. The new trade in luxuries stimulated innovation in technologies, products, marketing strategies, commercial and financial institutions. However, China did not successfully reach a full dimension of capitalism, while Europe did. Why did luxury consumption during the 18th century instigate the development of capitalism in each region differently? Although both were developing and showing an increase in luxury consumption, these two regions are different because of their reversed attitude toward globalization, the feeling of superiority, and satisfaction of one’s ability. …show more content…
Throughout Europe and China, people from the lowest social class were capable to acquiring these kind of goods. From an economist’s perspective, luxury consumption contributes to the emergence of capitalism. People consumption needs are formed largely to fill the needs of economic expansion and maintain the society of perpetual growth. Compares to China, Europe “curious, acquisitive, and dynamic attitude” caused them to be more adventurous and interested in expanding to other parts of the world (Pomeranz, pg. 157). Europe exploitation of other people labors and resources and international commerce were fundamental to the its development of capitalism. Europe showed a great interest in expanding its power throughout the world. Their global power can be showed through the exploitation of the New World resources and Africa labor. Unlike Europe, China supported a market economy in an agrarian society and did not promote much commercial

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