Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A business organization in which multiple investors pooled capital to finance exploration and trade ventures, used by European rulers and merchants to compete in global trade and expand overseas territories.
AP course connection
Topic 4.5: 4.5 Maritime Empires Maintained and Developed