European encroachment

European encroachment refers to the process by which European powers expanded their territories and influence, particularly from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This often involved exploration, colonization, and the establishment of trade routes across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Many indigenous cultures were disrupted or transformed through the implementation of European political, economic, and social structures. This expansion was driven by a desire for resources, land, and wealth, leading to significant cultural exchanges, conflicts, and the lasting impacts of imperialism that still resonate today.