European Colonial Empires

fig.1. British Empire

The first global empires were a product of the European Age of Exploration that began with a race of exploration between the then most advanced maritime powers, Portugal, and Spain, in the 15th century. The two motive forces for this race were trade and Capitalism that developed due the Renaissance and agreements reached in 1479, 1493 and 1494.  

fig.2. Spanish Empire

fig.3. Italian Empire

fig. 4. Russian Empire

fig. 5. German Empire

fig.6. French Empire

fig. 7. Dutch Empire

fig. 8. Portuguese Empire