The event that catalyzed the transition from feudalism to capitalism was the rise of mercantilism coupled with the growth of trade and exploration during the late Middle Ages. The establishment of trade routes, particularly in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and wealth, promoting economic activity beyond local feudal obligations. The emergence of a merchant class facilitated the development of markets and banking systems, laying the groundwork for capitalist economies. Additionally, the Black Death accelerated this transition by reducing the labor force, which increased workers' bargaining power and shifted economic dynamics away from feudal systems, ultimately paving the way for modern capitalism.