The history of the European continent has been a turbulent one, and the period following the Dark Middle Ages is no exception. However, at the end of the 15th century, Europe would slowly regain its prosperity and development. Consequently, there would be a great desire for discoveries and territorial expansions. The geographical conquests lead to the establishment of the first colonial empires, Portugal and Spain. Despite their eventual demise, their colonial practices will give birth to slave trade which will become common practice throughout the next centuries and will deeply impact the social and economic realities of the time.
             The end of Hundred Years War, the reestablishment of the monarchic order, the reunification of the Spanish monarchy eventually leads to a certain political stability. 1 This offers the possibility to states on the Atlantic shores to take advantage of their geographical position and encourage, both politically and financially the exploration of new territories beyond the limits imposed by science. Thus, the improvements in navigation techniques offered the practical methods to encourage the expeditions. Consequently, the Portuguese Henry the Navigator "manages to convince his leader of the importance expeditions out in the sea can have for the growth of the young state"2 Encouraged by the success of the Portuguese navigator, his fellow countrymen discover parts of Africa to Gabon and Angola by the end of the 15th century. His evolution is rather important for the future development of the Portuguese colonial empire because the African territories would represent the first source of slave labor available to the Europeans.
             The other major colonial power was the Spanish state which sponsored Christopher Columbus's expedition during which he discovered the American continent. An important role was played by Isabella de Castilla who financed his try and later on, through the "Invincible...