As trade expanded and populations increased, many people relocated to urban centers seeking occupational opportunities, contributing to the wealth of cities and their residents. Population growth in cities was powered by those leaving agriculture for manufacturing and other urban jobs, developing new markets, and participating in the rise of market economies.
As trade increased and the population grew, people moved to urban centers.
There they took up new jobs and many grew wealthy.
This was a period marked by the rise of cities, a time when millions of individuals moved away from rural agricultural areas and into urban environments due to various economic changes and opportunities.
During the 19th century, for example, the population of city dwellers grew substantially from about 6 to 44 million people, largely driven by the agricultural revolution and the ensuing industrial age.
The growth of urban centers was also influenced by the establishment of new territories and markets.
The development of capitalism, as explained by Adam Smith, meant that wealth could be generated through investment and trade.
In Europe, cities like Antwerp and Amsterdam flourished during the Dutch Golden Age when they became hubs for trade, especially with the influx of exotic goods from regions such as Asia.
The economic structures of European societies evolved, with the bourgeoisie accumulating wealth that had traditionally been the domain of the ruling classes.
With the rise of market economies in places like the United States, new opportunities for acquiring wealth became available, attracting immigrants and rural populations to the cities.
This was particularly evident in the massive growth seen in cities such as New York, where the population skyrocketed in the early to mid-19th century, creating a wealth of opportunities for individuals willing to participate in the burgeoning capitalist economy.