What is one way in which european economies changed as a result of the expansion and global trade during the 15th and 18th centuries?
a. the demand for skilled craftspeople led to increased slave labor in many european nations.
b. the middle classes across europe began to shrink as nations became wealthier
c. trade and manufacturing declined as european nations focused on exploration and expansion.
d. european powers grew wealthy by exploiting american labor and resources.

B. The middle classes across Europe began to shrink as nations became wealthier.

Explanation:

This is the answer that best reflects the changes that started in Europe as a result of the expansion and global trade during the 15th and 18th centuries. Before the 15th century, the difference between wealthy people and the middle class was significant, but not massive. This is because the people did not have access to many luxury goods. However, with the rise of global trade, luxury goods became more common, and the wealthy began to accumulate more and more wealth. This led to a decline of the middle class and a rise in inequality.