During the Age of Exploration, Europe underwent significant changes, notably the shift from a feudal society to a more expansive global trading system. This period, occurring from the 15th to the 17th century, saw European powers like Spain, Portugal, England, and France venturing beyond their borders, leading to the discovery of new land and trade routes. The introduction of goods such as silver, spices, and sugar stimulated economies and fostered colonialism. The encounters between Europeans and indigenous peoples transformed cultures and societies, resulting in both exchange and conflict, laying the groundwork for the modern globalized world.