美洲白银与欧洲价格革命

一般认为16世纪欧洲发生的“价格革命”是由于美洲白银输入所引起的。其实不然。欧洲“价格革命”在美洲白银到来之前就已经发生了，其根本原因是欧洲经济发展有限，尤其是粮食不足，不能适应人口增长的需要。美洲白银的输入促进了欧洲社会经济的发展，加强了欧洲在亚洲贸易中的实力，进一步强化了东西方的经济联系。

American Silver and European Price Revolution

It is believed that the European Price Revolution happening in the 16th century was triggered by the importation of the American silver. It is actually not the case. The European Price Revolution had begun before the importation of American silver. The root cause was the limited growth of European economy, especially the shortcommons failing to meet the need of the growing population. The importation of American silver accelerated the development of European economy, reinforced its trading power with Asia, and further consolidated the East and West economic contact.