The First European colonization wave (15th century-19th century)

The first European colonization wave took place from the start of the 15th century until the New Imperialism period in the second part of the 19th century. It was mainly concerned with the European colonization of the Americas and the creation of European colonies in India and other Asian countries. Africa would be effectively colonized only in the 19th century: before, it was only used as trading posts. The interior was not explored. However, the Atlantic slave trade did included the "Black Continent" in this first phase of capitalism (see Fernand Braudel).
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