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European wealth came from a variety of sources, one of which was the Bolivian capital of Potosi. Disgusting amounts of silver were exported from this town during the Spanish conquests of the New World, resulting in Spain's rapid ascent to the top of European powers. The Spanish were not too keen on saving their fortune, however, so the silver was quickly spent and traveled eastward throughout Europe until it landed in the hands of the Chinese 300 years later (in the mid-19th century).

Another source of European wealth was the vast amount of diamonds and gold in South Africa (first discovered and mined by Dutch colonists, and then later the British). The amount of diamonds found in South Africa was so great, it is estimated that about 80% of the world's diamonds came from there.

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Q: Where did European wealth come from?
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