Renaissance+History

THE CLASH OF EMPIRES

During the renaissance there were many great empires in existence whose location lent itself to conflict. Among these powerful civilizations were Spain, Portugal, France, England, and the Dutch. Spain and Portugal were the two exploratory powers: they fought over new countries and islands which they discovered in their many voyages overseas. While these countries expanded through colonialism, France and England fought over the land they had always known. Enemies throughout history, these two great superpowers would remain foes for thousands of years. The Dutch were the dark horse of the renaissance empires. They emerged late, but expanded quickly, colonizing many territories in a short time, and taking over some lands discovered by the Spanish or Portuguese.