During the 15th-17th centuries, European powers engaged in extensive global exploration and colonization. Motivated by desires for wealth, trade routes, glory, and spreading Christianity, Europeans developed new navigational technologies like the magnetic compass, caravel ships, and accurate maps. Portugal was an early leader in exploration, with Prince Henry the Navigator funding voyages down the west coast of Africa. Vasco da Gama then found a sea route to India, bringing Portugal great riches. Spain also sponsored explorers like Columbus and Magellan, leading to Spanish colonies in the Americas and influxes of gold. Other powers like France, England, and the Netherlands established colonial presences in North America, Asia, and Africa. The Age of
During the 15th-17th centuries, European powers engaged in extensive global exploration and colonization. Motivated by desires for wealth, trade routes, glory, and spreading Christianity, Eu…