Consequences of the european exploration and discoveries

• establishment of new sea routes that linked continents across all oceans
• These trade routes had increased the expansion of commercial activities.
• The newly discovered lands were Spain and Portugal became leading colonial powers in the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, in 17th century Dutch, Britain and France became major colonial powers in the new world conquered and became colonies of the European powers.
• Millions of slaves were imported from Africa to work in the colonies.
• Spain and Portugal destroyed the empires established by the Native Americans.