First 3 chapters of Kissinger's On China do a good job, but I'm certain you could find better sources. ED: outside getting a book, the main characteristic to l

First 3 chapters of Kissinger's On China do a good job, but I'm certain you could find better sources. ED: outside getting a book, the main characteristic to look at is China having the lion's share of historical world GDP, especially during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. The Spanish Empire gained much of its early wealth from Ming China's seemingly insatiable demand for the silver it found in South America - like thousands of pounds at a time.