EST 201

PRESENTATION

Who were the major

powers in the 16th
century Europe?
1.Olokode Favour, History - 234875.
2.Ogunremi Grace, History - 237966.
3.Adigun Kabirat, History -234857.
4.Isedowo Olasunkanmi - 234866.
5.Fatope Oluseun, History - 234865.
6.Afolabi Taiwo, History - 238241.
7.Karma Anjola, History - 237329.
8.Onifade Olorunjuwonlo Adedayo, History
- 234877.
9.Sodimu Oluwtomilesin Sobobola, History -
237967.
10.Olaniyan Qudus Babatunde 237331.
In the 16th century, a "major power" in Europe was
determined by several key criteria, which were largely
shaped by military strength, territorial control, economic
influence, and political stability. Here are the primary
factors:

1. Military Power
Strong Military Forces: The ability to raise large and well-
equipped armies or navies was crucial. Nations with
advanced military tactics, well-trained armies, and strong
navies (for maritime powers) were dominant.
Military Innovations: Nations that adopted new military
technologies, like firearms and artillery, held significant
advantages. Spain, for example, excelled in this regard
with its Tercios infantry.
2. Territorial Extent and Influence
Size and Geography: The size of a state’s territories
played a significant role. Large empires, such as the Holy
Roman Empire and Spain, had more resources to draw
from.
Strategic Location: Powers controlling important
geographic areas or trade routes, such as the Ottoman
Empire's hold on the eastern Mediterranean or Spain's
access to the New World, could exert greater influence.
3. Economic Wealth
Trade and Colonization: Nations with strong trade
networks, access to colonies, and wealth from new
sources (like gold and silver from the Americas) were
considered major powers. Spain’s control of the New
World gave it vast wealth.
Control of Resources: Economic strength derived from
agriculture, mining, and trade (especially in lucrative
goods like spices, silk, and textiles) allowed states to
finance armies and development.
4. Political Stability and Leadership
Strong Monarchy or Government: Stable, centralized
governments, often in the form of absolute monarchies
or dominant ruling families, were critical to maintaining
and expanding power. Spain under the Habsburgs or
France under the Valois dynasty are examples.
Diplomatic Influence: Major powers could influence or
control alliances and form strategic marriages, like the
Habsburg dynastic alliances, which extended their
influence across Europe.
5. Religious and Cultural Influence
Religious Authority: In a time of religious strife, being a
defender of a major faith (e.g., Catholicism or
Protestantism) gave states influence. Spain's role as a
champion of Catholicism in Europe and the Counter-
Reformation elevated its status.
Cultural Prestige: Patronage of the arts, literature, and
science could bolster a state’s prestige and soft power.
Italy, despite political fragmentation, was still culturally
dominant during the Renaissance.
6. Dynastic or Imperial Ambitions
Dynastic Claims: Monarchies often pursued claims to
other thrones through dynastic marriages or
inheritances, which expanded their influence (as seen
with the Habsburgs ruling both Spain and the Holy
Roman Empire).
Colonial Expansion: Powers like Spain and Portugal,
which expanded into the Americas and Asia, gained vast
territories and resources, thus increasing their influence
in Europe and beyond.
In the 16th century, the most prominent European
powers based on these criteria were the Spanish Empire,
the Ottoman Empire, France, and the Habsburg-
dominated Holy Roman Empire. Each of these states
leveraged their military, economic, political, and religious
influence to dominate European affairs.
Major powers in the 16th century;
1.Spain
2.Portugal
3.France
4.Holy Roman Empire
5.Ottoman Empire
6.England

1.Spain.
Following the Great Discoveries at the end of the 15th century
– in particular the discovery of America and the opening up of
sea routes between Europe and the East Indies – Portugal and
Spain established trading networks which contributed to the
creation of the first global economy.
The first colonial empires made a deep impact on the peoples
living in these regions, particularly in America and Africa.Spain
in the 16th century was one of the most dominant powers in
Europe, largely due to the unification of the crowns of Castile
and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of
Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Their marriage in 1469 and the
completion of the Reconquista in 1492, which saw the conquest
of the Muslim kingdom of Granada, set the stage for Spain’s
rise. There are several factors that made Spain one of the major
European power during this period. After Christopher
Columbus’ discovery of the Caribbean islands, the Treaty of
Tordesillas confirmed Spain’s dominion over territories in the
New World, which at the time Europeans called the Indies.
Spain’s conquest of the Americas was rapid and brutal. It also
led to the introduction of new diseases that decimated the
indigenous peoples
The Treaties of Tordesillas (1494) and Saragossa (1529) :The
first successful expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean raised the
question of what to do with the archipelagos and new lands
discovered by these navigators. In 1479, Portugal and Castile
signed an initial treaty confirming Castile’s dominion over the
Canaries, while recognizing Portugal’s monopoly on the African
coast.
The conquest of the Aztec Empire:Chosen by the Governor of
Cuba to explore the coast of the American continent, Hernan
Cortés landed in the region now known as Mexico with only a
few hundred men on 22 April 1519. There, he met and made
alliances with the Totonac Indians who told him about their
hostility towards the Aztecs and the riches to be found in the
city of Tenochtitlan.
The Conquest of the Inca Empire:At the beginning of the 16th
century, the Inca Empire covered the Andes from the Equator
to northern Chile, a territory of nearly 4,000 kilometers in
length. By the time the Spanish arrived, a power struggle had
lead to a civil war that weakened the Inca empire.
Seville and its monopoly on trans-Atlantic trade:In the early
years of the 16th century, the kingdom of Spain had a
monopoly on trans-Atlantic trade with its colonies. Seville
stands on the River Guadalquivir, 90 kilometers inland from the
coast, and was the only port authorized to trade with America.
Gold and silver from the New World:One of the key factors in
the conquest of the New World was the search for gold and
precious metals. On their arrival in the Antilles, and later on the
American continent, the Spanish Conquistadors took all the
gold amassed by the Indians, mostly in the form of jewels and
religious objects.
Convoys of Spanish ships to the Indies:Merchant ships sailing
between Seville and the Americas were in danger of attacks
from pirates, and it was therefore decided to make them travel
in convoys. Beginning in the mid-16th century, two convoys
were organized each year: one to Veracruz in New Spain, and
the other to Cartagena and Nombre de Dios.
The Manila Galleon:The longest and most ambitious trading
route opened up by the Spanish in the 16th century was the
passage across the Pacific, between the Philippines and
America. This sea route led to the development of new
commercial opportunities linking China, America and Europe
across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Organization of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century;
The Spanish king’s authority in the Empire was delegated to
two separate bodies:
The Council of the Indies was responsible for governing and
administrating the Empire, while the Casa de la Contratacion
(or the House of Trade), located in Seville, presided over all
aspects of maritime trade between Spain and its empire. In
particular, the Casa de la Contratacion received customs duties
paid by ships entering and leaving Spain.
The Empire’s territories on the American continent were
divided into two vice-royalties: New Spain, created in 1536 with
Mexico City as its capital, and Peru, founded in 1542 with its
seat of government in Lima.
 Each was under the authority of a viceroy, usually a member of
the Spanish aristocracy, who represented the Spanish sovereign
and was responsible for military and administrative matters.
The vice-royalties were then divided into territorial districts
controlled by offices or Audiencias. Apart from Mexico and
Lima, the main Audiencias were based in:
Guadalajara, Guatemala, Santo Domingo and Manila, in the
vice-royalty of New Spain; and Panama, Santa Fe de Bogota,
Charcas, Quito and Santiago, in the vice-royalty of Peru. Some
of these Audiencias covered a vast area: for example, the
Audiencia of Santo Domingo governed all the Spanish islands in
the Caribbean, Florida and Venezuela.
In conclusion, Spain in the 16th century was a global empire
whose wealth, military power, and political influence shaped
the European and world order of the time. Its vast empire in
Europe and the Americas allowed it to play a pivotal role in
nearly every major European conflict.

2.Portugal
In the 16th century, Portugal was a leading maritime power,
significantly impacting its political landscape through
exploration and colonial expansion. The Treaty of Tordesillas in
1494 divided the non-Christian world between Portugal and
Spain, allowing Portugal to claim territories in the East Indies,
India, and Brazil, which became crucial for its trade and colonial
empire. This expansion was driven by figures like Francisco de
Almeida and Afonso de Albuquerque, who established strategic
trading posts and fortifications, particularly in Goa, Malacca,
and Hormuz, to control the spice trade.Portugal's political
relationships with other European countries were shaped by its
colonial ambitions and strategic alliances. The marriage
alliances with Spain, such as King Manuel I's marriages to
Spanish princesses, helped maintain peace and confirm
territorial claims. However, the union with Spain in 1580 under
Philip II led to tensions and eventual revolts, culminating in
Portugal's restoration of independence in 1640.
Key treaties and alliances included the Treaty of Tordesillas,
which defined Portuguese and Spanish spheres of influence,
and later treaties with England, such as the 1661 alliance that
provided military support against Spain in exchange for
territorial concessions. These treaties were crucial in
maintaining Portugal's colonial and political interests during the
16th century.
Key events in Portugal's 16th century include; The Discovery of
Brazil and The Conquest of Goa.
The Discovery of Brazil (1500)
On April 22, 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral
landed in present-day Brazil, claiming the territory for Portugal.
This discovery expanded Portugal's empire, established new
trade routes, and sparked tensions with Spain. Cabral's voyage,
initially intended to follow Vasco da Gama's route to India,
instead led to the encounter with the Tupi people and the
establishment of initial relations.

The Conquest of Goa (1510)

On February 17, 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque, Portugal's
Governor of India, conquered Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.
This conquest secured a strategic location, controlling the
Arabian Sea and establishing Portuguese India. Albuquerque's
innovative tactics, employing naval power and artillery, ensured
Portugal's dominance in the spice trade.
These milestones in Portuguese History demonstrate the
nation's capacity for exploration, expansion and economic
agenda, in the 16th century and contemporary times,the
achievement of Portugal cannot be overemphasized.
3..France

France was one of the major powers in Europe in the 16th

century in the sense that France’s military, cultural and political
places it as one of the top tiers in the powers in Europe. In the
aspect of wars, France engaged in a series of conflicts most
importantly the Habsburg-Valois Wars. The Habsburg-Valois
Wars which were fought from 1494 to 1559 were a series of
conflicts between France and the Habsburg dynasty over
control of Italy and other European territories. France sought to
expand its influence in Italy, while the Habsburgs, ruling Spain,
the Holy Roman Empire, and other regions, opposed them.
Despite major defeats, such as the capture of French King
Francis I at the Battle of Pavia in 1525, France's military success
was aided by improved tactics, especially its advanced use of
artillery. The wars ended with the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis
in 1559, where France gave up its claims in Italy but retained
Calais.
Also, in the cultural aspect, the French Renaissance flourished
under the reign of King Francis I who ruled from 1515 to 1547,
and who was a great patron of the arts and learning. Under him
grand places were constructed like the Château de
Chambord(you should check it out). He also, regardless of all
the wars and problems that was between France and Italy,
invited one of the greatest artist in the Italian Renaissance and
without doubt the greatest experimental scientist of his time,
Leonardo Da Vinci, to work under his patronage at Château du
Clos Lucé located in the town of Amboise, in the Loire Valley.

Economically, France's economy grew significantly during this

period, driven by agriculture, trade, and the development of
industries such as textiles and metallurgy. In the 16th century,
France was a major economic power in Europe, with its
economy based on agriculture, particularly wine production,
and emerging industries like textiles and luxury goods. Key
trade hubs such as Lyon, Rouen, and Bordeaux boosted
commerce, and France's geographic position facilitated
international trade. Royal patronage under Francis I helped
promote infrastructure and industry, while France's cultural
influence spread through art, fashion, and intellectual ideas.
However, costly wars, such as the Habsburg-Valois Wars and
the French Wars of Religion, strained the economy, limiting
France’s full economic potential despite its overall influence in
Europe.
In conclusion, France's 16th century was truly a transformative
era, marked by significant advancements in military, cultural,
and political spheres. The Habsburg-Valois Wars, a series of
conflicts with the Habsburg dynasty over Italian and European
territories, showcased France's military prowess, despite
setbacks like the capture of King Francis I at the Battle of Pavia
in 1525. Improved tactics and artillery use aided French
success.

4.The Holy Roman Empire.

The 16th century was a transformative era for the Holy Roman Empire,
which emerged as a dominant force in European politics, culture, and
economy. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Empire maintained
its position as a major power, leveraging its strategic location, imperial
authority, military strength, economic prosperity, cultural influence,
and diplomatic network.

The Holy Roman Empire's central location in Europe facilitated trade

and commerce between Italy, France, and the Baltic. Recognition by the
Catholic Church and European monarchies solidified its imperial
authority. The Emperor's role as the protector of Christendom and
defender of Catholicism bolstered the Empire's legitimacy.

The Empire maintained effective armies, fortified cities, and strategic

alliances, ensuring military strength. Thriving trade, commerce, and
industry fueled economic prosperity. The Empire's cities, such as
Augsburg and Nuremberg, became hubs of finance, manufacturing, and
innovation.

Renaissance humanism, art, and architecture flourished within the

Empire. Scholars like Erasmus and Philip Melanchthon promoted
classical learning. The Empire's extensive diplomatic network fostered
relations with European states, facilitating cooperation and conflict
resolution.

The Holy Roman Empire's status as a major power in the 16th century
was underscored by several pivotal events.

The election of Charles V as Holy Roman Emperor marked a significant

milestone. Charles's vast territories, including Spain, the Netherlands,
and Italy, solidified the Empire's position as a dominant European force.

The Diet of Worms showcased the Empire's authority when Charles V

confronted Martin Luther. Although Luther's Protestant ideas spread,
the Empire maintained its Catholic stronghold.

The Peace of Augsburg recognized Protestantism within the Empire,

demonstrating the Empire's adaptability. This landmark treaty ensured
religious coexistence and stabilized the Empire.
The Empire's military prowess was evident during the Schmalkaldic
War. Catholic forces, led by Charles V, decisively defeated Protestant
armies, reaffirming Imperial authority.The Empire's border disputes
with the Ottoman Empire highlighted its military strength. Despite
Ottoman advances, the Empire maintained its territorial integrity.

The Protestant Union's formation demonstrated the Empire's ongoing

influence. Protestant states allied to counter Catholic dominance,
acknowledging the Empire's central role.

Imperial Reform efforts centralized authority, modernizing the Empire's

administrative and judicial systems. This streamlined governance
enabled effective decision-making.

The Empire's response to the Dutch Revolt showcased its military and
diplomatic capabilities. Although ultimately unsuccessful, the Empire's
efforts demonstrated its commitment to maintaining territorial
integrity.

In conclusion, the Holy Roman Empire's status as a major power in the

16th century was marked by a delicate balance of secular and spiritual
authority. Despite the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation,
the Empire maintained its position as a dominant European force
through leadership, military strength, and diplomacy.
5.Ottoman Empire
Ottoman empire created by the Turkish tribe in Anatolia grew
to be one of the most powerful state in the world in the 15th
and 16th centuries
The empire emerged from a beylik founded in northwestern
Anatolia in 1299 by the Turkoman tribal leader Osman I. His
successors conquered much of Anatolia and expanded into the
Balkans by the mid-14th century, transforming their petty
kingdom into a transcontinental empire. The Byzantine Empire
was ended with the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 under
the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II, which marked the Ottomans'
emergence as a major regional power. Under Suleiman the
Magnificent (1520–1566), the empire reached the peak of its
power, prosperity, and political development.
Trade has always been an important aspect of an economy. It
was no different in the 16th century. As the Ottoman Empire
expanded, it started gaining control of important trade routes.
The capture of Constantinople (1453) to the Ottoman Turks was
a key event. Along with their victory, they now had significant
control of the Silk Road, which European countries used to
trade with Asia. Süleyman took control of parts of Persia, most
of Arabia and large sections of Hungary and the Balkans. By the
early 16th century the Ottomans had also defeated the Mamlūk
dynasty in Syria and Egypt and their navy under Barbarossa
soon seized control of much of the Barbary Coast.Beginning
with Selim(Suleyman son)the Ottoman sultans also held the
title of caliph, the spiritual head of Islam.By the start of the
17th century, the Ottomans presided over 32 provinces and
numerous vassal states, which over time were either absorbed
into the Empire or granted various degrees of autonomy.With
its capital at Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and control
over a significant portion of the Mediterranean Basin, the
Ottoman Empire was at the centre of interactions between the
Middle East and Europe for six centuries.
Ottoman achievements in the 16th century include;
- Conquest of Eastern Europe, incorporating Hungary, Bulgaria,
and parts of Romania
- Decisive victory at the Battle of Mohács (1526)
- Conquest of Baghdad (1534), securing Mesopotamia and
crucial trade routes
- Naval supremacy in the Mediterranean, ensuring trade and
communication.
In conclusion, The Ottoman Empire conquest and
achievement during the 16th century is one that has shaped
the course of history and exemplifies the success of a strong
military.

6.England in the 16th century was not initially one of the

leading major powers in Europe but gradually grew in influence,
especially by the latter part of the century. The criteria that
defined a major power — military strength, economic
influence, territorial control, and political stability — were areas
where England fluctuated, but by the end of the century, it had
laid the foundations for becoming a major power in the
following century.
Early 16th Century
At the beginning of the 16th century, England was not
considered a major power compared to dominant players like
Spain, France, or the Holy Roman Empire. It was relatively
small, less economically powerful, and militarily weaker than
some of its continental rivals. During this time:

Limited Military Reach: England's military power was still

developing. Although Henry VIII engaged in wars against France
and Scotland, England lacked the massive armies or advanced
military technology that made Spain or France dominant.
Limited Territorial Influence: England had lost most of its
possessions in France (following the Hundred Years' War), so its
influence was primarily limited to the British Isles.
Economic Standing: England's economy was growing but was
not on par with the wealthier kingdoms of Spain and France,
particularly before the emergence of overseas trade and
colonization.
Mid-16th Century: The Tudors and the Rise of England
England’s fortunes began to change under the Tudor dynasty,
especially during the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I:
Henry VIII (r. 1509–1547) established England as a more serious
player in European politics. His break with the Catholic Church
during the English Reformation also made England a key force
in the Protestant world.
Naval Power: Under Henry VIII, and especially Elizabeth I,
England began investing in its navy, which would later become
one of its strongest assets.
Religious Influence: The Protestant Reformation gave England a
significant role in the religious conflicts of Europe, especially as
it positioned itself against Catholic Spain.
Late 16th Century: The Elizabethan Era
By the second half of the 16th century, especially during the
reign of Elizabeth I (r. 1558–1603), England emerged as a rising
power:

Growing Naval Strength: England became increasingly powerful

at sea. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was a turning
point that showcased England’s naval capabilities and marked
its rise as a significant maritime power.
Colonial Beginnings: England’s attempts at colonization began
in the late 16th century, with early efforts like the
establishment of the Roanoke Colony. This was the beginning of
England’s future as a colonial empire.
Economic Growth: English trade expanded, particularly through
the development of the merchant marine and the growth of
commerce with the New World and other parts of Europe.
Comparison with Major Powers
By the end of the 16th century, England was still not on the
same level as Spain, which was the preeminent European
power thanks to its vast empire, or France, with its larger
population and military might. However, England was
ascending in the ranks of European powers:

Spain was the dominant power in Europe, with its wealth from
the Americas, a strong military, and a vast empire.
France remained a strong player, with significant territorial
control in Europe and a larger army.
The Ottoman Empire exerted massive influence in southeastern
Europe and the Mediterranean.
The Holy Roman Empire, though fragmented, held significant
influence in Central Europe, especially under the Habsburgs.
Conclusion
England, by the end of the 16th century, was not yet a major
European power on par with Spain or France but had firmly
established itself as a growing force, particularly due to its naval
strength, economic growth, and political stability under
Elizabeth I. This period laid the groundwork for its future
dominance in the 17th century and beyond.

England's influence in the 16th century, though not as

dominant as the great powers like Spain or France, was
nonetheless significant and growing in several key areas. Here
are the major spheres where England exerted influence during
this period:

1. Religious Influence: The Reformation

Break with the Catholic Church: The most significant act of
England’s religious influence was King Henry VIII's break with
the Roman Catholic Church in 1534, establishing the Church of
England. This created a new, independent Protestant religious
identity for the country, distinct from Catholic Europe. The
English Reformation was one of the key events in the broader
Protestant Reformation sweeping Europe.
Spread of Protestantism: England, under Elizabeth I, became a
bastion of Protestantism, supporting Protestant causes in
Europe. The country provided aid to Protestant rebels in the
Netherlands during their war against Spanish rule and lent
support to Protestant factions in France during the French Wars
of Religion. This made England an important player in the
religious conflicts between Protestant and Catholic powers.
2. Political and Diplomatic Influence
Balance of Power: England positioned itself as a counterbalance
to the Catholic powers of Spain and France. During Elizabeth I’s
reign, England pursued a policy of balancing power on the
continent, avoiding direct involvement in long wars but
supporting weaker Protestant states to prevent any one
Catholic power from becoming too dominant.
Support for Rebels and Protestants: Elizabeth I strategically
aligned England with Protestant and anti-Spanish forces. For
instance, England gave support to the Dutch Revolt against
Spanish rule, creating long-term enmity with Spain. This
diplomatic stance helped keep Protestantism alive in parts of
Europe.
3. Naval Influence
Rise of English Seafaring: In the second half of the 16th century,
England began to establish itself as a significant maritime
power. Figures like Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins
became famous for their privateering expeditions, attacking
Spanish treasure fleets and undermining Spain’s naval
dominance.
Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588): The defeat of the Spanish
Armada was one of the most important moments in English
history. It not only protected England from invasion but also
demonstrated that Spain, the world’s preeminent naval power,
could be challenged at sea. This event marked the rise of
English naval power, laying the groundwork for future maritime
dominance in the 17th century.
4. Cultural and Intellectual Influence: The English Renaissance
Literature and Drama: The 16th century saw the flowering of
the English Renaissance, particularly in literature. Writers like
William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund
Spenser produced works that have had a lasting influence on
global literature and culture. The period was marked by the rise
of English as a literary language of high sophistication.
Humanism and Learning: The spread of Renaissance humanism
in England fostered the development of intellectual thought,
particularly through scholars like Thomas More and John Dee.
Although the English Renaissance lagged behind its Italian
counterpart in the arts and sciences, it still contributed to the
broader cultural revival in Europe.
5. Economic Influence
Exploration and Trade: Although England’s exploration efforts
lagged behind Spain and Portugal at the beginning of the
century, by the end of the 16th century, it had started to lay the
groundwork for its own colonial ambitions. Explorers like Sir
Walter Raleigh attempted to establish colonies in the New
World (though early efforts, such as the Roanoke Colony,
failed).
Rise of Merchant Capitalism: England’s economy began shifting
toward a more capitalist model, driven by the growth of trade
and the increasing influence of the merchant class. The
foundation of companies like the Muscovy Company and the
East India Company (1600) signaled the beginning of England’s
eventual global economic reach.
6. Scientific and Technological Influence
Advances in Navigation and Exploration: England’s increased
focus on exploration required improvements in navigation and
shipbuilding. This period saw England develop better
navigational techniques and technologies that enabled longer
voyages. Though still behind Spain and Portugal, England was
making advancements that would prove crucial in the following
century.
Alchemy and Science: Figures like John Dee, a mathematician
and alchemist, represented the merging of medieval mysticism
with emerging scientific inquiry. Dee, who advised Elizabeth I,
contributed to England’s intellectual influence in the realms of
astronomy and navigation, laying some of the groundwork for
future scientific advances.
7. Colonial and Imperial Beginnings
First Steps in Colonization: England’s colonization efforts in the
16th century were relatively modest compared to Spain and
Portugal, but the attempts to settle in the New World began
during Elizabeth I’s reign. The failed Roanoke Colony (1585) was
an early attempt to establish an English presence in North
America.
Privateering and Piracy: English privateers, sometimes
supported by the crown, attacked Spanish ships and colonies,
weakening Spain’s dominance and creating economic and
political friction between the two nations. These privateering
ventures, combined with early colonization attempts, were the
beginning of England's imperial ambitions.
8. Influence on the Arts and Fashion
Courtly Influence: The Tudor court, particularly under Elizabeth
I, became a cultural center, influencing trends in art, fashion,
and literature. The Elizabethan court was seen as sophisticated
and vibrant, attracting artists, poets, and musicians.
Cultural Export: English plays, poetry, and music began to
spread beyond England’s borders, as did Elizabethan fashion
and courtly manners, influencing European trends, albeit on a
smaller scale compared to Italian or Spanish influence at the
time.
In conclusion, while England was not yet a dominant power in
the 16th century, its influence was growing in important areas.
Its leadership in the Protestant Reformation, rise as a naval
power, burgeoning colonial ambitions, and contributions to
Renaissance culture marked it as a rising force. By the end of
the century, England had significantly increased its influence in
Europe and was well-positioned for even greater power and
impact in the 17th century.

Lessons learnt:
In our study of this major powers in the 16th century, we can
come to the conclusion that their activities are of tremendous
extent in shaping European and world history, in their former
colonies in the Americas and Africa, the past existence of these
nations is still very much felt, in language, clothing, religion,
culture and craft.
Economically the voyages and exploration of other worlds by
these powers cannot be overemphasized, especially in areas
like maritime trade and processing raw materials to finished
goods. Overall, the activities of these nations is of great
example to nations aspiring for greatness as well as developing
and budding nations in all areas of the world.