SECOND PRO The expansion of the known world, 15th-18th century (2 of 7)
First Theme: The Expansion of the Known World (15th-18th Century)
Until the end of the 15th century, centuries-old but limited trade existed between Europe, Africa, and Asia. However, some parts of the world, such as the Americas and Oceania, remained isolated. From the 16th to the 18th century, the significant growth in trade transformed these regions into a New World.
From the end of the 15th century, Portugal and Spain opened maritime routes to India and the Americas, connecting different parts of the world. The Portuguese and the Spanish, followed by the Dutch, French, and English, competed to build colonial and commercial empires from the 16th to the 18th century. The movement of people (administrators, soldiers, merchants, missionaries, adventurers, trading company traders, etc.) and ideas contributed to the development of ports and trade. The exploitation and colonization of the Americas led to significant transfers of American slaves under the Atlantic Treaty. In France, the Atlantic coast underwent considerable transformations and a new economic boost (ports, hinterland).