Piracy.

The Age of Piracy came almost 200 years after Columbus had sighted the Bahamas, and lasted until about 1722. Although it was a brief period, it was filled with pirates, and scoundrels of every kind. All of them attempting to acquire wealth and vast riches. The Pirates ranged their travels from Madagascar to the eastern coast of North America, trading their stolen goods to whoever would deal. Pirates had many affects on 15th century Europe; some positive, …

…of gold and silver the Spanish were shipping out. This caused Spain's power to decline which resulted in the countries to start dealing with England.         Piracy had an overall negative effect on Europe and its economy. Although privateers could positively influence an economy due to the large amounts of booty, they brought in. The harsh living conditions for pirates had its effect on piracy and caused this lifestyle to die off and fade into history.