During the 1500s and 1600s, Europe led the world in agriculture and manufacturing. This period, known as the Age of Discovery, saw European countries such as Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands expanding their empires through colonization and trade. European nations established vast agricultural plantations in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, producing cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, coffee, and cotton. Furthermore, European countries were at the forefront of technological advancements in manufacturing, leading to the development of industries such as textiles, shipbuilding, and metalworking. The wealth generated from agriculture and manufacturing propelled Europe to become the dominant global power during this time period.
