Global trading-post empire
Definition
This refers to an empire built on controlling trade rather than large territories or populations. The Portuguese, for example, established a global trading-post empire with outposts along Africa's coasts, in India, and in Southeast Asia.
Analogy
A global trading-post empire is like a chain of convenience stores spread across different cities. Instead of trying to own all the land between the stores (like traditional empires), you just control the key points where people want to buy goods - the stores themselves.
Related terms
Mercantilism: An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by accumulation of profitable balances.
Colony: A territory under immediate political control of another state.
Monopoly: Exclusive possession or control of supply in trade of certain goods.
"Global trading-post empire" appears in:
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.