Compare and contrast Spanish and Portuguese motives for exploration up to 1550.

The question requires that candidates give an account of similarities and differences between Spanish and Portuguese motives for exploration overseas, referring to both countries throughout the response. There are several motives that may be considered, for example, religious motives, economic motives, the desire to increase political power and/or the desire of individuals for fame. Religious motives were common to both countries but the level of its significance varied. Both were motivated by the search for wealth, as both lacked resources such as gold and silver. Both countries, wanted to increase the status of their nations, particularly Portugal because of its size and lack of power. A key difference might be the role of individuals: in Portugal, Henry the Navigator sought fame and encouraged exploration whereas in Spain it was the monarchy that motivated exploration. There does not have to be a balance in the number of similarities and differences.