• SCB@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    TIL that during the 16th to 19th centuries the aristocrats benefited from a “gift economy” because no one who ever says this knows what Mercantilism was.

    • Imotali@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Where did I mention the 16th or 19th centuries? And mercantilism was 100% not a barter economy. It was a form of market economy controlled by the state… so I’m pretty sure it’s you who misunderstands what mercantilism is.

      • SCB@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Mercantilism was purely extractive, and thus completely immoral, I agree. However, trade does predate capitalism because capitalism was not a nominal economic system at the time and mercantilist countries traded with one another.

        • Imotali@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Trade is not barter. And if it involved coinage or it isn’t barter. It’s a form of market economy.

          Market Economy ≠ Barter