England and the world

During the period 1500 to 1750 bigger and better ships were built and navigation instruments were improved. These made it possible for the countries of Western Europe to reach most parts of the world. Merchants went out to trade and colonists to settle and make new lives in far-away lands. Conflicts in such places meant that European wars began to be fought throughout the world.

Charles Maltman and Ian Dawson: The making of the United Kingdom; Oxford University Press, 1992/2000, page 73