Their push for overseas colonies came as a result of the industrial revolution creating the need for cheap labour, raw materials and new markets. ... Inscribed in his paperweight was "Belgium needs colonies-. ... However the Belgian government or people had no interest in oversees colonies and refused to acquire an empire. Initially Leopold had looked to the east in his efforts to gain colonies, but his attempt to gain the Philippines from Spain did not prove fruitful. ... Britain favoured extension of Portuguese power to southern banks of the river. ...

• Word Count: 2347
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Prince Henry the Navigator Prince Henry the Navigator seldom left Portugal, but he helped make it possible for the first Europeans to explore Africa. In Henry's time, the ocean was very dangerous and Africa was a mysterious place that seemed to contain endless miles of sand. Today we know t...

• Word Count: 2251
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School