The beginning of the 16th century was marked by exploration and search for new trade routes.  The Portuguese had navigated a new trade route that went south around the continent of Africa, giving them access to the spices of the east.  The trade potential of the Portuguese was a threat to many of the reigning empires, including the Spanish, as well as the Ottomans.  In response, the Spaniards supported Christopher Columbus in his search for a route that went west, circumnavigating the globe, to reach India.  Thus Columbus departed from the southwest of Spain in search of a new trade route.

In addition to exploration of the Americas, the united kingdoms of Spain rallied to take Granada, the capital of the last Muslim dynasty in Spain.  The Spanish Empire would continue to grow through alliances formed through carefully orchestrated marriages with other leading European states.  By the early 15th century Spain would be one of the countries making up the Habsburg Empire under the rule of Charles I of Spain, also known as the Emperor Charles V of Germany.