Between the feudal period and the commercial revolution the major change experienced by the European countries was that the International trade became more important to European countries.
The Commercial Revolution marked the creation of a European economy based on trade, which initiated in the 11th century and protracted until it was succeeded by the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century. This started with the Crusades by which Europeans rediscovered spices, silks, and other commodities rare in Europe. As a result, a new desire for trade arised.
The Poor Laws passed during the reign of Elizabeth I played a critical role in the country's welfare. They signalled an important progression from private charity to welfare state, where the care and supervision of the poor was embodied in law and integral to the management of each town.
