When and why

Henry the Navigator

Southwestern Europe (Portugal), 15th century;

Encomienda System

Latin America (Spanish colonies), 16th century;

Columbian Exchange

Atlantic World (Europe, Africa, Americas), late 15th–16th century;

Joint Stock Company

Northwestern Europe (England, Netherlands), 16th–17th century;

Bartolomé de las Casas

Southwestern Europe (Spain) & Latin America (Spanish colonies), 16th century;

British East India Company

Northwestern Europe (England) & South Asia (India), 17th–19th century;