#AP European History Study Guide: European Expansion 🌍

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the AP Euro exam with a super-focused review of European Expansion. We'll break down the key stuff, make it memorable, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!

#Age of Exploration and Colonial Rivalries

#Spain & Portugal: The OG Colonizers

• Spain and Portugal kicked off the colonial game, sparking major competition among European powers.
• Spain became a powerhouse in the 1500s, dominating the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
• Portugal also grabbed significant land in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
• This early dominance fueled other European countries' desire to get in on the action. 🌊

Caption: The expansion of the Spanish and Portuguese empires across the globe.

#The Dutch: Masters of Trade

• The Dutch jumped into exploration in the early 1600s, colonizing New York thanks to Henry Hudson.
• The Dutch East India Company became a major player, taking over many Portuguese trading posts.
• Why were they so successful?
  • Autonomous provinces run by merchant oligarchies.
  • The largest merchant marine fleet in Europe.
  • Spread of Calvinism.
  • Religious and intellectual tolerance that boosted economic growth. 💡

Caption: A map showing the extent of Dutch colonies in North America.

#France: Fish, Fur,...