The Late 16th Century -17 Century British Commercial Companies And Their Impact

With the rapid progress of the woolen manufacture in the 16th century, the merchants of England sought for a stable and increasingly expanding market The English merchant companies, a new kind of corporation acted as the instrument of English merchants to develop trade with other businessmen of Europe or Asia countries, furthermore these overseas enterprises continued to be the way of colonizing America in the early of 17th century. The activity of the English merchant companies had a profound impact on the evolution of England's economy and society. In view of this, this study, based on the careful examination of the Chinese and foreign materials and using the research method of history combined with relevant subjects, illustrates in detail the backgrounds, the history and the influence of these merchant companies.This thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter One states the companies' progress in foreign trade field. The fluctuation of Netherlands market was the direct cause of the foundation of these companies. Then it outlines the general progress of these companies and gives a summary of the major two companies form-regulated company and joint-stock company. Moreover it surveys the history of The Russia Company, The Merchant Adventure Company, The Eastland Company, The Levant Company, and The East India Company. These companies initiated and expanded their trade with Europe, Africa and Asia.Chapter Two surveys the company colonization in America. Firstly, the company, resulting from fall of private colonization, became the new colonization form. The soaring population provided affluent human resource. Secondly, it explores the traits of this way. The history and progress of The Virginia Company, The Bermuda Company, The Plymouth Company, and The Massachusetts Bay Company falls into the emphasis of this chapter.The focus of Chapter Three is about the relationship of the companies and the English society and government First, the merchants and gentries' active parting in this expanding activity was the root of company's progress. Second, the government's Mercantilism policy and aids to the company helped the company's oversea trade and colonization.Chapter Four tries to find out the influence of the development of companies on England. Firstly, the companies' activity greatly propelled the development of England's industry, and it also promoted the development of England's commerce, the category and figure of England's exporting and importing shopping increased dramatically, English merchants' marketing expanded all over the world. Secondly, the merchant companies had a great impact on the evolution of England's society and politics. The Commercial capitalist's influence on society and politics had been intensified due to the increasing wealth. Finally, the companies' expansion laid the first block of British Empire.