From around 1550, the Spanish Price Revolution saw sustained inflation across Europe triggered by massive influxes of silver and gold from American colonies. The flood of precious metals disrupted economies, wages, and social structures. Historians link it to the rise of capitalism; it features in economic histories and literary works depicting upheaval, inequality, and shifting power.

The Spanish Price Revolution in 1550 had profound effects on daily life, inspiring Golden Age Spanish literature that addressed social upheaval and wealth disparity. Poets like Luis de Góngora and Francisco de Quevedo reflected on the changing economic landscape in their works.