The document provides information about European exploration between the 15th and 18th centuries. It describes how Portugal, under Prince Henry the Navigator, began exploring westward down the coast of Africa in search of trade routes. This led to Portugal establishing the first global maritime empire and discovering routes to India and Brazil. It also discusses Spain's exploration led by Christopher Columbus, which expanded Spain's territory through conquests in the Americas by conquistadors like Cortez and Pizarro. Finally, it summarizes the establishment of British, French, Dutch and other European colonial empires through continued exploration, trade and colonization efforts around the world.