<P> The first European colonization wave took place from the early 15th century ( Portuguese conquest of Ceuta in 1415 ) until the early 19th - century ( French invasion of Algeria in 1830 ) , and primarily involved the European colonization of the Americas , though it also included the establishment of European colonies in India and in Maritime Southeast Asia . During this period , European interests in Africa primarily focused on the establishment of trading posts there , particularly for the African slave trade . </P>
<P> The first European colonization wave took place from the early 15th century ( Portuguese conquest of Ceuta in 1415 ) until the early 19th - century ( French invasion of Algeria in 1830 ) , and primarily involved the European colonization of the Americas , though it also included the establishment of European colonies in India and in Maritime Southeast Asia . During this period , European interests in Africa primarily focused on the establishment of trading posts there , particularly for the African slave trade . </P>
when did the first wave of western settlement began
when did the first wave of western settlement began
early 15th century
early 15th century