2. The exploration of the Americas
forever changed the course of
world history
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
