The Portuguese were the first to make a real profit using a sea route to Asia. The Spanish wanted to get in on the trade but had their hands full with problems at home. The two kingdoms of Aragon and Castile were at war with each other, and both were also dealing with invasion from the Moors from Africa. Finally, the two kingdoms came together with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella. The united kingdom of Spain was able to drive out the Moors in the year 1492, a year that should sound familiar to most of you. They were finally able to turn their attention to other matters.
Historically Speaking 