Colonies included Canada and parts of the east coast of United States

Began making claims in the 1600's

1760's: had the largest overseas empire in the world

Wanted religious freedom

Used slave labor to increase their profits

Devastated the indigenous populations by spreading diseases

Lost control of colonial empires as people fought for independence

Wanted gold

Wanted glory

1500's: had the largest overseas empire in the world

Empire located mainly in Central and South America

Wanted to spread Catholicism across the globe