Question 3 Who challenged Spain and Portugal for imperial dominance during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries? (A) England, Germany. and France (B) England and France (C) Gerrnany and the Netherlands (D) England, France, and the Netherlands

During the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, England, France, and the Netherlands emerged as formidable challengers to the imperial dominance of Spain and Portugal. The English sought to establish colonies and trade routes, while the French expanded their influence across North America and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the Dutch capitalized on maritime trade and established a significant presence in Asia, which shifted global power dynamics and trade patterns dramatically. This period also saw intense competition for resources and territories, often leading to naval conflicts and colonial skirmishes. The struggle for supremacy fostered advancements in naval technology and tactics, impacting global trade and exploration. The rise of these nations marked the beginning of a broader shift in European power, fundamentally altering the course of history.