I don't know much about this region but have been including these islands off the coast of western Europe/western Africa in some of my TL's. Looking back through their history, I don't see a great deal of attempts to conquer these Portuguese/Spanish islands by the Dutch, French, British or each other.
Any ideas why?
They seem to be strategically significant as naval bases. Why didn't other nations try to seize them?
When St. Lucia was exchanged 14 times in its history, you would think that Madeira or Cape Verde would as well.
Thanks.