Portuguese Explorers:
* Seafaring and Trade: They were primarily driven by trade and establishing sea routes. They sought new trade routes to Asia, especially for spices, and established trading posts along the way.
* Coastal Exploration: They focused on coastal exploration and sailing along the African coast, ultimately circumnavigating Africa to reach India.
* Atlantic Ocean: They heavily invested in developing maritime technology and navigating the Atlantic Ocean, which led to advancements in shipbuilding and navigation.
* Military Presence: While they did establish colonies, their focus was less on conquering land and more on establishing trading outposts and securing access to resources.
Spanish Explorers:
* Conquest and Colonization: Their primary goal was conquest and colonization, driven by gold and resources. They sought to establish vast empires in the Americas, claiming land and exploiting its wealth.
* Inland Exploration: They were more focused on inland exploration and conquering new territories, pushing deeper into the Americas.
* Conversion to Christianity: The Spanish also had a strong missionary aspect to their exploration, seeking to convert indigenous populations to Christianity.
* Military Strength: They often used military force to subjugate indigenous populations and establish their dominance.
Key Differences in Summary:
* Portuguese: Trade, seafaring, coastal exploration, Atlantic Ocean dominance.
* Spanish: Conquest, colonization, inland exploration, military strength, religious conversion.
It's important to note that there was some overlap between the two, and both nations contributed significantly to the Age of Exploration. However, their motivations and strategies differed significantly.