This book investigates the intricate relationship between European expansion and the development of global capitalism from the Age of Discovery to the late 20th century. Brouwer examines how conquest, colonization, and the subsequent establishment of global trade networks fundamentally shaped economic systems and power structures worldwide. The work analyzes the economic theories and practices that underpinned this expansion, tracing their evolution and impact over five centuries.

The book's scope suggests a comprehensive historical analysis of capitalism's global expansion, likely appealing to students and scholars of economic history and colonialism. The chronological approach indicates a structured narrative that traces the development of economic systems over a significant period. The focus on the interplay between conquest and capitalism points to a critical examination of historical power structures and their economic underpinnings.