The Great Geographical discoveries. (introduction)

At the end of the 15th century, technical advances allowed Europeans to go on maritime expeditions to discover new trade routes. As well as the African coast and the Spice Islands, explorers discovered the continent of America and made the first voyage around the world.

European civilisations expanded to all the continents, creating large colonial empires. In America, the Spanish and Portuguese conquered the indigenous civilisations.They then imposed their culture and religion, and exploited local resources and people.