USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1492 Columbus discovered the New World of the Americas. Portugal and Spain became the early leaders in the Age of Exploration. Through the Treaty of Tordesillas the two countries agreed to divide up the New World.

Detailed explanation-2: -Portugal, the western-most European country, was one of the primary players in the European Age of Discovery and Exploration. Under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal took the principal role during most of the fifteenth century in searching for a route to Asia by sailing south around Africa.

Detailed explanation-3: -There were different reasons for the Spanish and Portuguese exploration, with the Portuguese establishing a trading post empire to protect their goods, and Spain focusing on empire-building. Part of this Age of Discovery was the creation of a new occupation, that of conquistador.

Detailed explanation-4: -SPANISH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST. The Spanish established the first European settlements in the Americas, beginning in the Caribbean and, by 1600, extending throughout Central and South America. Thousands of Spaniards flocked to the Americas seeking wealth and status.