<P> The Commercial Revolution consisted in the creation of a European economy based on trade , which began in the 11th century and lasted until it was succeeded by the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century . Beginning with the Crusades , Europeans rediscovered spices , silks , and other commodities rare in Europe . This development created a new desire for trade , and trade expanded in the second half of the Middle Ages . Newly forming European states , through voyages of discovery , were looking for alternative trade routes in the 15th and 16th centuries , which allowed the European powers to build vast , new international trade networks . Nations also sought new sources of wealth and practiced mercantilism and colonialism . The Commercial Revolution is marked by an increase in general commerce , and in the growth of financial services such as banking , insurance , and investing . </P>
one effect of the commercial revolution on europe was to
increase in general commerce the growth of financial services such as banking , insurance , and investing