1. Brian Fontaine
The Decline of the Iberian World
History 140
Ning Posting #1
Peoples & Empires
History 140
Summer 2011

2. Chronology
• Charles V (overextended & exhausted) 1555
• Philip I (overzealous- wanted China/ the World) 1555-
• Loss of Netherlands (80 yrs war) 1568
• Spain & Portugal ally (through inheritance) 1580
• Philip III, IV (misguided focus) 1598-1665
• Loss of Spanish Control 1640-1648
• War of Spanish Succession 1702-1713
• Loss of Brazil by Portuguese 1822
• Loss of Cuba, Philippines, & Puerto Rico 1898
Spanish/ Portuguese decline was slow!

3. Financially Overextended Focused on Short-Term Gains
1584 – End
Ambitious plans to conquer
Causes I Phillip II, III, IV
China via. Philippines & Thailand No consideration for long-term
sustainability
Most resources went to
support/ protect overseas
Possessions
Focus on GOLD & SILVER ECONOMICS (primary factor)
Spanish bullion from the Americas was near-sighted Lack of understanding “inflation”
goal for most of ruled period
Supply & Demand issues caused
Lacked commerce & trade development abroad devaluation
Adam Smith – “All Spain’s problems
Failed attempt in 1770 to modernize
attributed to over production of bullion”
economics based on “fair-trade”

4. Causes II
• Grab and Run Mentality • New Contenders
-Militant style of territory acquisitions – France, England
• Dutch (after secession fm Spain)
-Lack of merchant/ commerce component
– Weakened Navy Fleet
• Threat of Buccaneers
• Internal Strife
– Oceanic commerce & transport
primarily handled by
– War of Spanish Succession
non-Spanish/Portuguese ships
(1702-1713)
– Inept Leadership
• Revolt in Europe
• United States flexes muscle
– Holland/ Netherlands
• (80 Years War) – Loss of Cuba, Philippines &
Puerto Rico
– Set stage for other revolts