European powers refer to the influential nations in Europe that played significant roles in global politics, economics, and culture, especially from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Key players included Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Italy, each contributing to exploration, colonization, and the spread of ideas and technologies. These nations often competed for dominance, leading to conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars and the World Wars. Their colonial empires extended across continents, impacting regions like Africa, Asia, and the Americas, shaping the modern world through trade, cultural exchange, and political influence.