Mercantile empires differed from tributary empires in being seaborne and merchant-linked.

Evidence

The period from the late Middle Ages to the post-Enlightenment era is a transitional one characterized by elements from both ages. Known as the early modern era, it runs roughly from 1500 to 1800 CE. The period marked the arrival of several European imperial powers on the global stage and rivalry among them for domination over world trade. Mercantilism characterized the era’s economic logic. The mercantilist system was based on a drive to establish lucrative trade and to ensure profits through a monopoly enforced by arms and military might. — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 106 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Before 1500, civilizations were linked mainly by land routes, not sea commerce. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 133; Mercantile empires fused monarchs and merchants in armed trade monopolies; Early modern European imperialism was seaborne, monopoly-seeking mercantilism enforced by arms — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of…, 106 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Early modern European imperialism was seaborne, monopoly-seeking mercantilism enforced by arms #exemplifies (0.92) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 106