Introduction: The Iberian Atlantic and the Making of the Modern World (original) (raw)

The Iberian Atlantic system was fundamental to the formation and progression of capitalism and global trade circa the early modern period. This paper examines the historical significance of the Atlantic as a complex space shaped by European colonization, slavery, and the commodification of labor. It calls for a broader understanding that includes the Atlantic context in discussions of capitalism, arguing that many existing narratives fail to account for its crucial role in shaping economic systems.