Final answer:
Spain and Portugal led the European Age of Discovery, which started in the 15th century, with significant exploration and colonization efforts in the New World. Portugal, under Prince Henry the Navigator, spearheaded sea exploration with improved navigational technologies, while Spain dominated the subsequent conquest and colonization, particularly in the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spain and Portugal in the New World
The Age of Discovery, spanning approximately from the 15th to the 17th century, marked an era of extensive exploration initiated by European powers. Leading the way were the Iberian countries, Spain and Portugal, who became pioneers in overseas exploration and colonization. Portugal, under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, and with advancements such as the compass, astrolabe, and the caravel, began exploring the African coast and were the first to establish trading ports along it and in India. The Portuguese desire to find an all-water route to the Indian Ocean to trade with Asia led to the rounding of the Cape of Good Hope in 1488 by Bartholomew Diaz. Spain, following closely, sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, seeking a route that would allow them to trade directly with Asian countries. Subsequently, Spain emerged as a dominant force in the conquest and colonization of the Americas, epitomized by the conquests of the Aztec and Inca empires by Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, respectively.
The rivalries between Spain and Portugal were moderated by the Treaty of Tordesillas and the Treaty of Zaragosa, dividing the earth into zones of influence. This allowed both countries to focus on their geographic explorations without conflict. While Spain and Portugal were the first to establish settlements in the New World, their initial intent was not for permanent colonies but rather to exploit resources for gold and glory. However, these settlements became permanent footings for the presence of Spain and Portugal in the New World, with increased settlement following the success in mining gold and silver.