The Americas Vs. Asia and Africa

A new wave of colonialism took shape after the early explorations during the early modern period between the years 1450 and 1750. During this time, major European settlements developed direct empires overseas. These settlements include the colonial empires in both North and South America and in colonial possessions in Africa and Asia. Like most colonies, these three had a few similarities in addition to many contrasting differences.

A main similarity between the early American, African, and Asian colonies was their administration system. The early American colonies were formed by small bands of adventurers loosely controlled by European administration, which compares to African and Asian territories in which administration remained limited. However, unlike the African and Asian territories, Spanish and Portuguese officials created a more formal administration in the Americas, as agricultural settlements were established. In addition, missionary activity added another layer of American administration.

Another similarity between the civilizations is that they all had influential European settlements. The American colonial societies developed primarily on following European patterns. Colonists consumed political ideas, trade and manufacturing developed along with a strong merchant class, which are seen in many European societies. However, unlike European patterns, there was an importance in African slaves and slavery. On the other hand, Africa and Asia had minimal European settlements. However, there was an important European settlement in South