Mercantilism: The Economics of Absolutism

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  • Опубликовано: 26 ноя 2014
  • www.tomrichey.net
    Mercantilism is an economic philosophy that emphasizes competition between nations for wealth, which was measured in terms of who had the most gold and silver. A mercantilist economy stresses national self-sufficiency and the preservation of national wealth through a favorable balance of trade. Mercantilism is a type of command economy, strictly regulating the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Although I specifically focus on Jean-Baptiste Colbert's implementation of a mercantilist economy in absolutist France under Louis XIV (especially useful for AP Euro), the material in this lecture is also useful for US History students who want additional context for understanding the conflicts between the British colonies and Parliament regarding trade and taxation.
    If you like this lecture, check out my AP European History Playlist: • AP European History Re...

Комментарии • 337

  • @Hamza-qk9yq
    @Hamza-qk9yq 7 лет назад +389

    Hey discount Matt Damon, you explain these things really well.

  • @HM-yv9xk
    @HM-yv9xk 9 лет назад +84

    You explain the background, and provide specific information. They dont do that at all at English universities. They jump right into the historiographical debate getting you to read contemporaries and modern historians like Adam Smith, Chris Wickham, Marx, Beat Kumin, Burke or whoever. Our introductions just consist of periodisation, definitions, prioritization. You ease us in far more, which I need so thank you.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +20

      Thanks so much for the kind words! I tutored a Canadian university student this semester who told me something very similar. I don't see the point in someone trying to read Smith or Burke if they haven't even completed a basic introductory lecture course.

    • @finalfrontier001
      @finalfrontier001 9 лет назад +2

      ***** French schools in Canada suck hard!! Their indoctrinate you into socialism and they hate anything Anglo orientated.

    • @ashton6700
      @ashton6700 6 лет назад +1

      H M Canada stinks. If I offended anyone, I'm sorry, eh

    • @carmencoria2558
      @carmencoria2558 5 лет назад

      H M j

    • @silent_stalker3687
      @silent_stalker3687 3 года назад +1

      My school didn’t cover anyone but Marx, Engles and Trotsky

  • @christianoliverio2109
    @christianoliverio2109 8 лет назад +33

    I feel way more confident about my AP Euro exams now. Our books doesn't explain things as simply. Thank you so much for all these awesome videos!

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  8 лет назад +14

      +Christian Oliverio I love hearing stuff like this. This is why I do what I do. Best of luck on your exam!

  • @EmilyHernandez-qo8em
    @EmilyHernandez-qo8em 8 лет назад +62

    Your channel will help me survive my first AP class. thank you so much!

  • @Nonamearisto
    @Nonamearisto 9 лет назад +141

    So much better than "Crash Course".

    • @BrianFaure1
      @BrianFaure1 7 лет назад +20

      Both good but im glad there's some competition

    • @pingukutepro
      @pingukutepro 5 лет назад +15

      The guy name Green in Crash Course, he's shit, not giving any information beside joking

    • @keaneorchard6654
      @keaneorchard6654 5 лет назад +30

      @@pingukutepro give him a break, he makes subjects snappy, fun and interesting- plus he only has 10mins to discuss. Great for someone new to a subject and wants to grasp the gist of things. But yeah this guy is way better for in-depth understanding

    • @Andre_APM
      @Andre_APM 4 года назад +1

      @@TonyFarrugiaStrongman ...explain?

    • @nateparrish5236
      @nateparrish5236 4 года назад

      John Green is to History what Alton Brown is to cooking.

  • @richeys1fan471
    @richeys1fan471 9 лет назад +14

    Wow. Can we ALL just take a moment to recognize how amazing Tom Richey is? HE DA BEST.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +8

      I don't know whether to be flattered or creeped out... I'm just gonna go with both.

  • @xiaodongwang7753
    @xiaodongwang7753 4 года назад +4

    I was born in 1963 and grew up in the planned economy of China. Then I went to the United States and did a Ph.D. in history, international relations, from the late 1980s to the 1990s, when free trade was the trend. I’m 57 now, thinking how I can explain today’s world to my two sons, one at Madison and the other at Vanderbilt, when I came upon your video. Great explanation! And thank you. For some reason, I particularly like your example of the mercantile store, which I never thought of. You will have two more subscribers shortly. Thanks again.

  • @hannahk6864
    @hannahk6864 8 лет назад +118

    he looks like matt damon sounds like matthew mcconaughey

    • @yungjames5103
      @yungjames5103 8 лет назад

      Knew he looked like someone!

    • @rk5759
      @rk5759 4 года назад

      SHITS LIKE HUMAN

    • @liam1558
      @liam1558 4 года назад +1

      matt damon if he was from the south and not boston

    • @thetasworld
      @thetasworld 4 года назад

      Spot on

    • @ezewuluchukwuma5543
      @ezewuluchukwuma5543 2 года назад

      @@rk5759 you mmyymymy you make mmkmtmkj

  • @KapiteinKrentebol
    @KapiteinKrentebol 6 лет назад +3

    Thanks! I am reading Wealth of Nations for the past year and now I realize it's a manifest against mercantilism.

  • @jiannamarin8966
    @jiannamarin8966 7 лет назад +2

    You go so in-depth that I genuinely understand the concept afterwards. Thank you!

  • @gber8963
    @gber8963 8 лет назад +1

    Mr. Tom, I'm a master student, but even so I really learn a lot with your videos. Sometimes I want to remember a concept or refresh a subject in my mind for a research or presentation, I always come to your channel to give a look if you have made a video about the subject, your videos are not only instructive, but often fun and clear.
    I appreciate your work and hope that you keep sharing your videos with us on youtube, it's an amazing job you do :)
    Warm regards!

  • @philparenti5751
    @philparenti5751 9 лет назад +18

    I was reading an article by the Foundation for Economic Education and they made a reference to Mercantilism with only a cursory and unsatisfying explanation so I found your video. I liked it and subscribed to your channel. I look forward to more.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +2

      Phil Parenti I appreciate your subscription! I hope my upcoming videos don't disappoint.

  • @courtneylee1680
    @courtneylee1680 7 лет назад

    This and Ryan Reeves' channel are helping me study for my midterm in early modern european history. My professor is having us remember everything from early enlightenment to the commercial revolution. After a while, scouring the book and notes gets frustrating and counter-productive. It's also nice to see an animated history professor. I've had a few, but most are dull and half the class falls asleep or plays with their phones.

  • @KaloyanDrenski
    @KaloyanDrenski 9 лет назад +9

    Excellent job! You summed up everything you need to know about the mercantilism in 18 minutes. Subscribed, and lookin forward to watch your other amazingly educational videos! Thank you for doing this!

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +1

      Glad I could help you and thanks for subscribing! It's encouragement like this that keeps me going.

  • @crazyzombiebos7778
    @crazyzombiebos7778 2 года назад +1

    Was assigned this to watch and take notes over as HOMEWORK. but it was pretty informative and somewhat entertaining. your students are lucky to have you.

  • @nicolatschan3539
    @nicolatschan3539 7 лет назад +4

    Clear, short, comprehensive! I learned more in 18 minutes of watching this, than I learned while reading the entire article on wikipedia. Thank you very much!
    Greethings from Switzerland :)

  • @johanjonsson6504
    @johanjonsson6504 8 лет назад +1

    I have an exam in history at university today, it's for the time period 1350-1720 mostly european history! Your videos has really helped me to study! Thank you! :D

  • @robertcrisci1367
    @robertcrisci1367 9 лет назад

    Crystal clear presentation. The professor has a certain tone that seems to facilitate learning.

  • @clarawyant8266
    @clarawyant8266 8 лет назад

    I actually missed this portion in lecture for my World History II course and it is in relevance to absolutist France. So thank you so much for posting this. So easy to follow.

  • @FHIPrincePeter
    @FHIPrincePeter 5 лет назад

    Brilliant Overview on Mercantilism, and a great video clip on many levels. It was direct and to the point, extremely informative and well delivered. Instantly subscribed.

  • @rktech3292
    @rktech3292 9 лет назад +5

    Hey, stumbled upon your great videos looking to learn some European history. Awesome stuff and thank you! Keep making more!

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад

      Will do and thanks for the encouragement!

  • @MorbidObscurity
    @MorbidObscurity 9 лет назад +19

    You're a legend Tom. Next year I'm doing final-year level Revolutions history, I think your videos are going to become less of an interest and more of a necessity.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +4

      Hamish Observes Thanks! I realized after reading your comment that I wore my MASTODON t-shirt for this one. Always glad to educate a lover of great music!

  • @yolarola6261
    @yolarola6261 3 года назад

    THIS IS THE BEST EXPLANATION VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN

  • @alyceecampbell9995
    @alyceecampbell9995 7 лет назад

    Wow! That was amazing I have three pages of notes just from this. Thank you so much your amazing at what you do. Keep it going.

  • @luisgerardoperezcastro5865
    @luisgerardoperezcastro5865 3 года назад

    Thanks mister Tom. I have to teach Mercantilism and I found your explanation quite excellent.

  • @thisismylovehandle
    @thisismylovehandle 2 месяца назад

    Thank you so much!! Im reading Montesquieu, and now everything makes sense.

  • @yevgrafjakimowicz2622
    @yevgrafjakimowicz2622 8 лет назад

    Thanks a bunch! I have a History paper to write on Mercantilism and your video helped a lot!

  • @teresaconners1143
    @teresaconners1143 4 года назад

    Thank you very much. Your video helped me understand this for my economics class. I hope I will be able to find additional videos from you for other topics or classes I have. You have no idea how much this has helped me. I appreciate you doing this video. Thanks again!!

  • @newsheed11
    @newsheed11 3 года назад

    All hail Tom Richey, great job

  • @keaneorchard6654
    @keaneorchard6654 5 лет назад

    Thanks for this Tom! I had a question about whether the EU negotiated in a mercantile manner, without ever being told anything about mercantilism. This video not only made me understand the concept but also to draw many similarities and differences between the two. I'll definitely be going through your back catalogue of videos over the next few weeks. Cheers bro!

  • @secerts8
    @secerts8 6 лет назад

    I Wish you were my professor, You explained everything in 18 minutes for a class I have been taking for 4 months that I learned nothing from.

  • @jvb5590
    @jvb5590 8 лет назад

    Thank you so much, Mr. Richey. I am a senior at Bowdoin College.

  • @aimanarshadhussain4768
    @aimanarshadhussain4768 6 лет назад

    Thank you so much man! You explain very well and helped me to understand the basic concepts

  • @nathanrobinson1099
    @nathanrobinson1099 8 лет назад +13

    I think the best definition I've come across is, "Economics is the study of the use of scarce resources which have alternative uses."

    • @LyndonLaRoucheArchive
      @LyndonLaRoucheArchive 8 лет назад

      No. They might say that in all the Econ 101 textbooks but that just reflects the system of Empires that had a Darwinistic dog eat dog philosophy of the elites versus the rest of humanity.

    • @nathanrobinson1099
      @nathanrobinson1099 8 лет назад

      OaklandLYM What would your definition be?

    • @LyndonLaRoucheArchive
      @LyndonLaRoucheArchive 7 лет назад

      Nathan Robinson Its best to reject Adam Smith's mischaraterization of the Cameralist school of economics entirely since he was employed by Frances rival and studied under the Pysiocrats. Reading through the various writings of the members of that way of thought was the overarching concept of the need of the development and modernization of the nation, the land, and the pressing need of developing the people versus the feudalist concept of rulers and peasants.

    • @nathanrobinson1099
      @nathanrobinson1099 7 лет назад +1

      OaklandLYM
      That's not a definition.

    • @LyndonLaRoucheArchive
      @LyndonLaRoucheArchive 7 лет назад

      Nathan Robinson You can't have a definition based on a lie written by a dishonest creep.

  • @juliettemay2666
    @juliettemay2666 2 года назад

    Thank you! I’m studying Western Civ II, the Columbian exchange, and I didn’t really get mercantilism. I do now. I love your videos!

  • @taddunn7515
    @taddunn7515 6 лет назад

    IDK what you can do about this, but please try to get all of your videos subtitled. I love these videos and they have been helpful but they are easy to watch at 1.5 speed when in a late night AP Euro grind provided they have the subtitles. Anyways great videos and thank you.

  • @victorcanada1882
    @victorcanada1882 3 года назад +1

    Well done. I’ve lived in Louisiana for over 30 years. Nice to know that’s where you are from.

  • @236Mars
    @236Mars 4 года назад

    A very good insight into mercantilism system of thought...

  • @iainmiddleton4175
    @iainmiddleton4175 Год назад

    Sir, brilliant. You’re an amazing resource. Thank you.

  • @benedicttheophilus3063
    @benedicttheophilus3063 6 лет назад

    you know Tom's an expert when he plugs his favorite team in the middle of his lecture.

  • @itskiranchauhan6674
    @itskiranchauhan6674 4 года назад +1

    Really beautifully explained, thanks, man.

  • @imerachel
    @imerachel 7 лет назад

    Wonderfully explained. Thank you so much!

  • @yvyibree3754
    @yvyibree3754 7 лет назад +2

    I like your dialect. And the video- it helped a lot!

  • @StephenieBaileyDEAFMETAL
    @StephenieBaileyDEAFMETAL 8 лет назад +1

    You are very cool. Thank you for helping me CLEP out of three courses, and nice shirt!

  • @dorcasjaimai6455
    @dorcasjaimai6455 5 лет назад

    This is very educative
    Learned so much in a short while thanks

  • @pavolivanko9475
    @pavolivanko9475 8 лет назад +2

    Great teacher, great video.

  • @reubenoakley8967
    @reubenoakley8967 4 года назад +2

    Thank you for this! I keep hearing people say that capitalism fueled European colonialism, and is therefore evil, and I keep having to tell people "no, that was mercantilism". It's nice to have this quick refresher on the subject so I can give an easier explanation of how different these systems are

  • @gabrielibarra5610
    @gabrielibarra5610 8 лет назад

    Absolutely love the video. Very useful!

  • @miracleawesome4540
    @miracleawesome4540 8 лет назад +5

    Makes so much sense.

  • @FA-tq9ip
    @FA-tq9ip 5 лет назад +2

    Great video! Please could you do a video on the Physiocrats and maybe with a comparison to Mercantilism and Adam Smith?

  • @scottishbananaclan
    @scottishbananaclan 3 года назад

    I love this video. I really like this Economic ideology. I'll definitely look into it more.

  • @mononiazi9975
    @mononiazi9975 8 лет назад +2

    Hi, thanks for all your explanation, it really helps those who need. Could you please explain the summary of Artistole two party-exchange and Friedrich List and the political economy
    of the nation-state

  • @tarquiniussuperbus21
    @tarquiniussuperbus21 7 лет назад +1

    A Market economy is also prone to corruption because the accumulation of wealth gives you power to influence the state which in turn can give you a monopoly.

  • @markpascua6531
    @markpascua6531 3 года назад

    awesome video, vern!

  • @HannahAnnJ
    @HannahAnnJ 8 лет назад

    You have saved my economics paper, bless your soul

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  8 лет назад

      +HannahAnnJ Glad I could help!

  • @adampaunic1651
    @adampaunic1651 8 лет назад

    Nice videos, they're a useful addition to my studies

  • @kjellrasmundson4538
    @kjellrasmundson4538 7 дней назад

    Absolutely brilliant! Thanks!

  • @griffinsawyer6959
    @griffinsawyer6959 3 года назад

    this man is saving my life

  • @martinschulz9381
    @martinschulz9381 2 года назад

    Right on, well explained.

  • @renecobos9336
    @renecobos9336 9 лет назад +5

    Thanks. I never really understood the concept of mercantilism but I understand it now. Can you make a video about the Anglo-Dutch wars and how economics played into this feud? I would understand that conflict much better also.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +1

      I will actually be visiting the Netherlands in July and plan to make some videos after my trip sharing what I learn. I will keep the Anglo-Dutch wars in mind for my upcoming Dutch History series.

    • @renecobos9336
      @renecobos9336 9 лет назад

      Tom Richey​ Cool thanks

  • @tomaskuhn3871
    @tomaskuhn3871 9 лет назад

    What an amazing video! Thank you.

  • @Mbaptiste_
    @Mbaptiste_ 8 лет назад

    great job you've make it really clear !

  • @BrunaOliveira-fr8mr
    @BrunaOliveira-fr8mr 7 лет назад

    Great teacher , Great video !! Greetings from Portugal

  • @O7ghostX
    @O7ghostX 6 лет назад

    Thanks a lot man. We're learning English history and the teacher just threw us the duplicated copies in the face without any explaination. I've watched a few of your videos and you do a really great job at teaching things simply. Really well done!
    (by the way, my civilisation teacher said that civilisation could not be taught simply. "We cannot oversimplify history or we will be dumbing down the students." Sure, but what's the point in making it difficult if we do not even understand the basics?)

  • @patryk1734
    @patryk1734 7 лет назад +1

    you helped me to play eurpa universalis iv. thank you

  • @esperancemusonera8678
    @esperancemusonera8678 5 лет назад

    well done vid, thank you Mr.Richey

  • @richman604
    @richman604 7 лет назад

    This is great, straigt and simple

  • @aestheticwriter5493
    @aestheticwriter5493 6 лет назад

    Wow u made this typical topic so simple and easy to understand sir namasty🙏

  • @gindphace
    @gindphace 4 года назад

    Hey Tom. Great video, as always. Have you ever read up on Neo Reaction? I think you may find it very interesting.

  • @positivelypresent8331
    @positivelypresent8331 7 лет назад

    This video really helped. Thanks 🙌🏼☺️

  • @makzmakz
    @makzmakz 9 лет назад +18

    In the end of the video you say that "mercantilism isnt so much in vogue today, when there is alot more emphasis on free trade". I really don't see this. Sure there are sectors of the economy where there is less mercantilism than before, but in other sectors it's the exact same thing still. I live in Sweden and there is protective tariffs on imports from the US. If you have a patent on a service/product, you have an exclusive monopoly right (given by the force of the government). Subsidies are rampant in agriculture, both in the EU and the US (corn for instance). Also in sweden there is this constant talk about "boosting export industries" by devaluing the Krona, apparently in order to have a "beneficial trade balance". All in all, there are significant remnants of mercantilism in the West to this day.

    • @erikdk321
      @erikdk321 6 лет назад +1

      Unfortunately you are right.

  • @danielsson4349
    @danielsson4349 3 года назад

    this helped me out alot. Big thanks

  • @HaidarAli-zr5ob
    @HaidarAli-zr5ob 8 лет назад

    Hi sir!, really great and detail explanation. I'm writing thesis right now, is there any literature that said Mercantilism is not only about economic but also national agenda. Thank you, and sir i'm not forgot to subscribe. sorry for bad english, im from Indonesia

  • @Oceans_ai
    @Oceans_ai 9 лет назад

    really great video sir. I am not sure if this will reach my students, but I am sure to give it a shot.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад

      Josh Salvi It's a bit more in depth than most people would go, for sure... I'm glad to hear that this video is hitting the spot for a fellow teacher!

  • @allnx0x0
    @allnx0x0 5 лет назад

    thanks man.. really cleared up some ideas for me

  • @tarigyassinadam
    @tarigyassinadam 4 года назад

    Nice explanation, thanks

  • @NoraGreen1992
    @NoraGreen1992 8 лет назад

    Very informative! Thank you so much :)

  • @Peter-ok9wr
    @Peter-ok9wr 5 лет назад

    Very good lecture , thank you.

  • @RoxieMary
    @RoxieMary 8 лет назад

    Thank you so much! These help a ton

  • @gonebamboo4116
    @gonebamboo4116 5 лет назад

    Good talk, good explanation
    Thanks

  • @pearlmendez836
    @pearlmendez836 8 лет назад

    Thank you!! I love this! very smart and well explained!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKYOU!!!!!

  • @kaykhosrow3263
    @kaykhosrow3263 Год назад

    hello, I had just seen this video, and am wondering, is there any advantages of Mercantilism? because in this video it is mostly shown as bad thing, but then why mercantilistic economies like of France or of England (before switching to free market) was growing a lot and became biggest industries and grew both their economy and power by a lot and had decreased poverty?

  • @jemilyasin9292
    @jemilyasin9292 Год назад

    Thanks it’s amazing explanation

  • @juniorrocha638
    @juniorrocha638 9 лет назад +2

    Heey.. it was a great video: clear and concise. It's the first video of yours that I watch and it definitely won't be the last. I'm from Brazil and studying to apply for public universities' exams at the end of the year and History is one of the main subjects I need to master in order to go well at it. Anyway.. as I said, I loved it and it won't be the last. Your videos will actually help me a lot. Thank you.

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад

      Glad to have you on board! I've met a lot of great people from Brazil through RUclips... Always room for one more!

    • @juniorrocha638
      @juniorrocha638 9 лет назад

      Great to know that!

  • @dewiwrites4638
    @dewiwrites4638 8 лет назад

    Excellent video, thanks very much

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  8 лет назад

      Glad I could help you!

  • @sthembelehlongwane4719
    @sthembelehlongwane4719 5 лет назад

    great explaination.. thank you

  • @EdwardIsLiving
    @EdwardIsLiving 9 лет назад +3

    Hmmm pretty interesting. Can you by chance do a hypothetical of mercantile wars/out trading rivals? The British during the 17th/18th century were actually losing ground to the Dutch trading systems, despite Britain having more colonies and more control over exports/imports. How does that work?

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +7

      The Dutch practiced free trade while other European powers were running mercantilism. The Dutch system of free trade ended up being more profitable, which led to Adam Smith's publication of Wealth of Nations and the resulting movement toward economic liberalism.

    • @EdwardIsLiving
      @EdwardIsLiving 9 лет назад

      Thanks Tom!!!

  • @thomasgiannini
    @thomasgiannini 8 лет назад +1

    ahh! So was the favorable balance of trade part of Frances 'politique' considerations in Europe's balance of power? I assume this is the same Colbert who was involved with the Peace of Westphalia. Anyways good job! your vids are super helpful

  • @alishamohammed4581
    @alishamohammed4581 4 года назад

    18 minutes...great teaching skills

  • @geniusiscommonmovement8223
    @geniusiscommonmovement8223 6 лет назад

    Great work.

  • @pehrnilson8809
    @pehrnilson8809 9 лет назад +5

    Hey there! thanks for this video!

    • @tomrichey
      @tomrichey  9 лет назад +1

      My pleasure! Glad I can help you!

  • @dm_sliderrr6946
    @dm_sliderrr6946 10 месяцев назад +1

    This video is still teaching people like myself 8 years later

  • @gabrielnieves6432
    @gabrielnieves6432 3 года назад +1

    I prefer the following definition of Economics, as it is more accurate and helpful. Economics is the study of scarcity/limited resources.

  • @sierrajuliet7759
    @sierrajuliet7759 5 лет назад

    Ok but that metal theme you suddenly turned up for protectionism scared the hell outta me.

  • @AlexaDeWit
    @AlexaDeWit 7 лет назад +1

    I don't know of any market economies that aren't ridden with mercantilist practices, policies, and corrupt favouratism.

  • @scarymarys83
    @scarymarys83 Год назад

    Thanks for this video, very well explained. Off topic: you really resemble Matt Damon.

  • @royarye6323
    @royarye6323 3 года назад

    very useful video!

  • @donnelldancy6177
    @donnelldancy6177 5 лет назад

    Really helped... thanks

  • @mansoorhussainbhatti6733
    @mansoorhussainbhatti6733 4 года назад

    Excellent sir...also make a video lecture on imperialism seperately please

  • @hiitsme2024
    @hiitsme2024 7 лет назад

    m gonna pass my exams this time for sure thanks to your videos.