How did the reconquista lead to the age of exploration?

Question

A. It motivated France to try to get ahead of Spain and Portugal in the exploration
B. It made Italy strong enough to push Beyond Europe
C. It started a crusade against the Ottoman Empire
D. It made Spain strong enough to push outward from Europe after centuries of War

Answer 1

D. It made Spain strong enough to push outward from Europe after centuries of War

The Reconquista refers to the centuries-long process of Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain, gradually pushing back and eventually expelling the Muslim Moors. The successful completion of the Reconquista in 1492, with the conquest of Granada, made Spain a united and powerful nation.

This newfound strength and unity, combined with a sense of religious zeal, played a significant role in Spain's decision to support and sponsor expeditions of exploration. The Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, directed their attention and resources toward funding voyages of discovery. They believed that these ventures would not only expand Spanish influence but also spread Christianity to new lands.

As a result, Spain became the leading European power during the Age of Exploration. Spanish explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernán Cortés undertook ambitious voyages that opened up new sea routes, discovered new lands, and established extensive overseas colonies. The wealth and resources brought back from these expeditions greatly contributed to Spain's rise as a dominant global power in the 16th century.