Are you interested to read the original book? Get ‘The Wealth of Nations’ by Adam Smith now: https://amzn.to/3W5xeku In the aftermath of the fall of the Roman Empire, European cities and towns began to rise despite a period of chaos and disarray. Initially, these towns were populated by poor tradesmen and craftsmen, often living in servile conditions. However, over time, these towns gained important rights, such as the ability to marry freely, inherit property, and trade without the interference of local lords. This newfound independence was driven by practical needs: kings and rulers saw towns as key allies in their struggles against barons and feudal lords. As towns grew, they became self-governing entities, with local councils and militias, offering protection and security to their inhabitants. This laid the foundation for the rise of manufacturing and trade, especially in cities like Venice, Genoa, and Pisa, which thrived through commerce during the Crusades. The development of urban centers marked the beginning of Europe’s transition toward a more industrialized society. 00:00 - Introduction to the Rise of Cities after the Collapse of Rome 00:13 - Post-Roman Empire Cities and Towns 00:45 - Rights and Privileges of Towns 01:05 - Taxes and Exemptions 01:58 - Organization and Self-Governance 02:23 - Practical Reasons for Privileges 03:03 - Independent Republics 03:24 - Influence on Kings and Parliaments 03:51 - Economic Growth and Security 04:32 - Trade and Wealth Accumulation 05:03 - Italian Cities and the Crusades 05:29 - Local Manufacturing and Trade 06:18 - Development of Manufacturing 07:10 - Conclusion