A financial revolution has taken place over the last 25 years. During this period, the U.S. stock market has gone up tenfold, a multitude of new investment instruments has been introduced, new markets have been created, capital flows between countries––affecting currency values and interest rates––are enormous, and foreign financial markets have gained significant clout. What is the significance of these developments? What discoveries made thempossibble? What impact will they have on our economy, our political system, and our future? This course examines the history of finance, and explains the nature of this recent financial revolution.