European Overseas Expansion

Definition

European overseas expansion refers to the period from the 15th century onwards when European states established vast empires abroad in Africa, Asia and Americas.

Analogy

Consider this like playing an expansive game of chess. Europe is the player making strategic moves (explorations), capturing pieces (colonies) across the board (world), aiming for checkmate (dominance).

Related terms

Colonialism: This is when one country takes control over another region or country and exploits it economically. It's similar to a bully taking over someone else's lunch money at school.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by accumulation of profitable balances. Picture this as a game of Monopoly where the goal is to accumulate as much wealth and property as possible.

Age of Discovery: This was a period in history marking the time period from the 15th to 18th century when Europeans explored Africa, Asia and Americas. It's like going on an epic adventure or quest in a video game, discovering new lands and treasures.