1) A number of western civilizations began expanding their trade networks and colonizing other parts of the world using new technologies. 2) Portugal and Spain were early leaders in exploration and colonization, reaching India and Brazil/Americas respectively in the late 15th century. 3) This led to a global exchange of goods, diseases, animals and people between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, significantly impacting societies and economies around the world. 4) By the 18th century, many countries had become dependent on this expanding global trade system dominated by Western European powers.

1. DANIEL TAMAYO SOCIAL STUDIES 7A