The Era of Exploration began in the early 15th century and lasted until the 17th century. The period is seen as a time when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes. Many explorers just sailed to simply learn more about the world. Whatever their reasons though, the information gained during the Age of Exploration significantly helped in the advancement of geographic knowledge. Though the desire to simply explore the unknown and discover new knowledge is a typical human trait, the world's famous explorers often lacked the funding needed for a ship, supplies, and a crew to get underway on their journeys. As a result, many turned to their respective governments which had their own desires for the exploration of new areas. The most successful and influential colony during this time would have to be the Spanish or Spain.
In 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, England gave us our Independence. Spain initiated the first European Exploration and colonization of the new world, in which they explored and colonized 5/8’s of the new world. Spain also introduced Christianity to the new world, and the institution, economy and political infrastructures of the Catholic Church. Spain was the first ones to develop a trade route which was between Europe, Africa and the New World. The Spanish also established the form of government Absolutism or the form of government where the monarch has the right to rule their land or colony in any way they want without any opposition letting them know if it is right or wrong. The Spanish created the European cultural foundations in the New World, which included language, science and even schooling, which established in 1541. Spain would later develop an economic monopoly and trade market. This would end up dominating European trade markets for over 300 years. They developed the Joint Stock Company