Although in modern times Spain is not considered a major power, in 1500 the Spanish Empire was unrivaled in almost every field. Firstly, the Spanish were incredible explorers. From 1400 through 1500 almost every western European country was trying to find a way to sail to and trade with the Orient. As can be seen in the map above, the Spanish are bordered by several oceans giving them a huge advantage over other land-locked countries. However, Portugal beat the other Europeans by sailing under the tip of Africa. Not wanting to start a war with Portugal, rather than go south, Spain went further west, hoping to find India on the other side of the globe. So in 1492, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon sent Christopher Columbus on a voyage
