Spain focused on the Americas, extracting resources and converting populations. Portugal focused on trade routes and establishing coastal trading posts in Africa and Asia.

The Dutch focused on trade and establishing commercial networks, while the French focused on fur trade, fishing, and spreading Catholicism.

The Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of the Spanish Succession and reshaped European power, while the Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years' War and established British dominance.

Spain sought gold, glory, and God; Portugal sought trade routes and wealth; the Dutch sought commercial dominance; France sought fish, fur, and faith; England sought land, resources, and religious freedom.

European colonization led to displacement, disease, and cultural disruption for indigenous populations across the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Slavery was central to the economies of Spanish, Portuguese, French, and British colonies in the Americas, providing labor for plantations and mines.

Spanish and Portuguese empires relied heavily on mercantilism and the extraction of resources, while the Dutch empire focused on trade and financial innovation.

Spanish colonies were governed by viceroys appointed by the crown, while Dutch colonies were often controlled by merchant oligarchies.

Spain and France actively promoted Catholicism, while the Dutch practiced religious tolerance to attract settlers and promote economic growth.

European colonization led to the spread of European languages, cultures, and institutions, as well as the creation of new nations and the exploitation of resources and labor.

A European conflict triggered by the death of Charles II of Spain and fears of French dominance, resulting in the Treaty of Utrecht.

It ended the War of the Spanish Succession, recognized Philip as King of Spain, and redistributed territories, impacting the balance of power in Europe.

A global conflict between major European powers over European and colonial dominance, ending with the Treaty of Paris.

Ended the Seven Years' War, significantly altering the global balance of power, with Britain gaining vast territories from France.

Divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between Portugal and Spain, influencing the colonization of South America.

Early 1600s, led by Henry Hudson.

1500s.

Took over many Portuguese trading posts and became a major player in global trade.

Establish profitable sugar plantations using enslaved Africans.

France lost out to the British after the Seven Years' War.

An economic policy focused on maximizing exports and accumulating wealth (gold and silver) for the mother country through strict regulation of trade with its colonies.

A contract granting a country or company the right to provide enslaved Africans to Spanish colonies.

A territory controlled and governed by a foreign power, often for economic exploitation and strategic advantage.

A business entity where different stocks can be bought and owned by shareholders. Used to finance colonial ventures.

A small group of wealthy merchants who control the government and economy of a city or region.

The forced transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas, primarily to work on plantations, creating a vast and brutal system of exploitation.

A formal agreement between two or more states in reference to terms of peace, trade, alliance, or other international relations.

Competition among European powers to establish and expand their colonies, leading to conflicts and shifting alliances.

A large-scale agricultural estate, typically in the colonies, specializing in the production of cash crops like sugar, tobacco, or cotton, often relying on enslaved labor.

Acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices within a society.