What are the different theories that explain the growth of capitalism in Europe? Is there one that is dominant among historian?

by twoandseven

I'm almost finished reading Ellen Meiksins Wood's "The Origin of Capitalism: A Longer View". Her arguments were convincing (to me) that the development of capitalism occurred in agrarian England as opposed to elsewhere in Europe and urban areas. But, not being a scholar in that area, I imagine it would be easy to convince me. She criticizes other competing theories, but I am curious about responses to her work and the prevailing views of historians currently.

Leninsleftshoe

Wood's an adherence of the "Brenner Thesis", a set of essays published in the 1970s and 80s by historian Robert Brenner which challenged the two most popular models at the time, demographic change and commercialisation. Brenner's thesis is basically hegemonic in the academy, though it has been challenged. The most recent attempted refutation is How the West Came to Rule: The Geopolitical Origins of Capitalism by Alexander Anievas and Kerem Nisancioglu.