Portugal and Spain
Prince Henry the Navigator(Portugal) sent explorers East
Portugal starts slave trade in AfricaFerdinand and Isabella (Spain) sent explorers
WestPope’s involvement
• Portugal led the way• Original exploration for gold• After discovery of New World – slaves• European powers started colonizing Africa• Dutch (The Netherlands) settled in South
Africa – Known as Boers believed they were chosen and could do with others whatever
they wanted – led to black/white separation
in South Africa
Exploration in Asia• Portugeuse built trading empire through
outposts• Dutch eventually started trading• Dutch East India Company – 1602– Could build armies, wage war, govern, tax, etc.
China/Japan/Korea
• Chinese Empires (Ming/Manchu/Qing)• Restricted foreign trade
• Korea– Killed or Captured European traders– (“Hermit” Kingdom)
• Japan– Isolated itself from 17th century
onwards
North America• European Powers split up North America
– France – Canada– England – 13 colonies
– Spain – Mexico/Texas/Florida/California• Slave Trade expands
Commercial Revolution
• Prices rose – created inflation• Capitalism – privately-owned businesses• Entrepreneurs – individuals taking risks for a
company• Mercantilism – Export more than import