The Commercial Revolution

Mercantilism: An economic theory popular during this time that promoted governmental regulation of a nation’s economy for augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers. It's like playing Monopoly where you try to control as many properties (resources) as possible to win.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. It's like claiming the best spots at a picnic - you get all the benefits, but others are left out.

Joint-stock companies: These were businesses owned by shareholders who share in profits and losses. Imagine if your lemonade stand was funded by all your friends, and they got a share of your profits.