The establishment of joint-stock companies around 1600, exemplified by the founding of the English East India Company, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of capitalism and colonial trade. These companies allowed for large-scale investments and shared risks among investors, facilitating overseas exploration and trade. This development played a crucial role in the expansion of European empires and the global economy.

The establishment of joint-stock companies in 1600 fueled exploration poetry and later critiques of exploitation in works by authors like Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. This literary movement examined the moral implications of commerce and colonization, reflecting the complexities of economic expansion.