Dominate 2025 AP World History – Unleash Your Inner History Buff!

The period associated with the Commercial Revolution, which spans roughly from the 11th to the 18th centuries, is marked by significant transformations in trade, commerce, and finance across Europe. One of the most important characteristics of this era is the notable expansion and sophistication of banking and credit systems.

During this time, as trade flourished due to increased exploration and the establishment of new trade routes, there was a growing need for more sophisticated financial instruments to facilitate these commercial activities. This led to the development of various banking practices, such as double-entry bookkeeping, letters of credit, and bills of exchange, which made it easier for merchants to conduct business. This evolution in banking allowed for greater security in transactions and provided necessary capital for ventures across Europe and beyond, thereby stimulating economic growth.

The other options reflect changes that did not align with the overall trends of the Commercial Revolution. For instance, guilds were prominent during this period and generally did not diminish until much later, and urban populations typically increased as commerce thrived. The establishment of trade routes to the Americas was certainly a part of this era, but the defining feature here is more about the increase in banking and financial innovations that supported this growth in commerce. Hence, the increase in banking and credit