Early Europian Setteling 1400's - 1800's

I.
1. in the 16th century what was Portugal's motivation for exploration?
2. In this time period what locations did the Portuguese establish colonies?
3. What enabled northern Europeans (especially British, Dutch and French) to eventually rival Portugal and Spain in colonial efforts?
4. What American crops became important in the Old World?
5. How did the mercantilism system benefit western Europe, while hurting its colonies?
6. How were the British colonies along the Atlantic seaboard of N. America different from the European colonies in Latin America and the Caribbean?
7. How did Britain gain control of India, kicking out the French and Portuguese?

II.
1. Why did such colonial companies as the British east India Co. play such a large role in the areas where they operated?
2. Why did the Colombian Exchange have such a large impact on the Americas?
3. How was the Seven Years' War significant in world history?