Impact of colonization on Europeans

The exploration of the Americas forever changed the course of

world history

Impact on Europe

• Several European countries began “the great race” for establishing control of the continents of North and South America

• Europeans now had a viable option to seek refuge from religious persecution

Impact on Europe cont.

• War between these countries became inevitable

• As the countries began to jockey for position in the Americas, there were several strains on the relationships amidst the competing nations.

The line in the sand was drawn and the signs pointed toward conflict

• Initially, European activity consisted mostly of trade and exploration. Eventually Europeans began to establish settlements. The three principal colonial powers were Spain, England, and France. These powers would continue to fight for domination in the new world until America emerged out of the dust.