This scenario takes place in the year 1650. Spain, the greatest colonial power, lost the 30 Year War, lost control over Portugal and is begining to decay.
Portugal is trying to recover itself from the desastrous Iberian Union. The northeast of Portugals main colony, Brazil, is occupied by the Dutch.
The Republic of Venice is extremely decadent, and its ancient glory is now history.
The Habsburgs from Austria are now the virtual rulers of the Holy Roman Empire, although they were defeated in the 30 Year War.
The Ottomans now occupie Croatia and Egypt, but they are not as powerfull as the european powers.
France is now the owner of large areas in North and South America, and is becoming one of Europes main powers.
England, after the defeat of Spains "Invencivel Armada" now has the most powerfull navy in the world, and owns areas in North America and Asia.