Theme 3 section 2

1. The Spanish Empire B. Scott Tucker

2. A New Kingdom Kingdom of Spain crated in 1492 with the unification of the Kingdom of Castile & The Kingdom of Aragon Over the next 3 centuries was the most important colonial power. Most Powerful state in Europe during the 16th century and greater part of the 17th century.

3. Expansion 1492, Columbus “inadvertently” discovered the Americas, inaugurating Spanish colonization of this continent. Treaty of Tordesillas signed in 1494, which divided the globe into 2 hemispheres between Spanish and Portuguese Claims.

4. “The Golden Age of Spain” Charles I (Charles V of The Holy Roman Empire) Inherited Castilan Empire in the Americas, Aragonese Empire, Croen of Holy Roman Empire, Low Countries and Austria. Became the most Powerful man in Europe. The opening of silver mines in Mexico and Bolivia in 1546 became legendary.

5. Hapsburg’s Political Goals Access to the resources of the Americas (gold, silver, sugar) and products of Asia. (Porcelain, spices, silk) Undermining the Power of France. Defending Catholicism. Defending Europe against Islam. (Ottoman Empire) To spread religion to unconverted souls of the new world.

6. Phillip II Phillip II inherited crown. (1556-1598) Under Phillip II many conflicts occurred. (The French 1559, The Eighty Years’ War with the Netherlands) The wars bankrupted Spain.

7. Explorers and Conquistadors Spanish colonization of the Americas led by warrior- explorers called conquistadors. Used technology of armor, equestrian presence, and exploitation of rivalries between indigenous peoples, tribes and nations to defeat the more powerful enemies. (Aztec and Inca)

8. Famous Conquistadors Hernan Cortes Achieved Spanish Conquest of The Aztec Empire. (1519-1521) Francisco Pizarro Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.

9. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Spain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Empire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_colonization_of_the_Americas