Beginning in the late 1400s, European nations explored the seas beyond Europe, hunting for an all-water route to Asia. They did not find it, but they did encounter two previously unknown continents—the Americas. They also built great trading empires in Asia. With their travels and trade, Europeans ushered in the first global age, bringing together people and civilizations from around the world.
A desire to share in the rich spice trade of the East spurred Europeans to explore the oceans.
The rise of new states and power struggles created turbulence in Africa.
Europeans used military power to build trading empires in South and Southeast Asia.
China, Korea, and Japan limited contact with western nations.
Portugal sent ships as far away as Japan in search of spices and other trading goods.