Why did Spain and Portugal lead the way in exploration during the Ranaissa period?
This was a consequence of the Reconquista. After the Portuguese and Spaniards had reconquered their countries from the Moors, it was only natural to turn this appetite for conquest towards other lands. And in Spain’s case, she probably had the most to potentially gain from exploration, than anyone else. The original objective (for Columbus, etc.) was to find a route to the Orient, to get around the high duties charged by Arabs and Italians on trade to the Orient, via the Mediterranean. Since Spain did MORE such trade than, say, France or Britain; (as most of her ports were on the Med., and she would have been wealthier than France or Britain to start with) she would have the most to gain by finding a cheaper route.
