Question

Explain the following statement with respect to Spain or Portugal. "The first century of European overseas expansion and colonial conquest- that is, the sixteenth century - belonged almost exclusively to Spain and Portugal. . Afterward their power and prestige decline rapidly until, by the beginning of the nineteenth century, they had sunk into a state of somnolence approaching suspended animation." ....

Answer 1

Spain and Portugal were the first of the nation's who started following their colonial ambition Portugal first jn the 15th century created a large fleat of voyage ship and started the expeditions across the globe and and to scout the world post which Spain also started the same with Columbus voyage to carribbean.

Post these expedition these countries started acquiring territories pretty fast with Portugal taking control of mostbof Brazil hence south america and important locations across Asia and North America ,Spain excercised control over rest of south america ,Phillipines in Asia and other centrer. But by around 16th century Portugal faced trouble because of the heir to the throne and weak leadership cost it to lose mutliple territories same happened to spain which although at ine point in 16 th century control portugal but then began losing to great Britain and at that stage portugal started becoming a smaller force to Britain and spain to France and by begining of 19th century they hardly had much influence left