Global real GDP per capita grew slowly from 1500–1750, then inflected sharply upward at the Industrial Revolution — with capitalism’s institutional invention (Dutch Stock Exchange, ~1600) preceding the inflection. Global life expectancy tracked similarly: flat/declining through 1800, then rising sharply. Both series were interrupted by wars, pandemics, and famines but resumed upward trends. The implication: technological and institutional innovation compound wealth; political/military disruption creates temporary noise in the long run.