During the 16th century, Spain was the most powerful country in the world, but the 17th century saw its decline for several reasons: Spain spent vast amounts of money and resources participating in the Thirty Years' War and other conflicts, losing territories like Portugal in the process. The kings spent lavishly on wars but neglected infrastructure and the populace, impoverishing the country further, while pirates also attacked Spanish ships, preventing gold and silver from America from reaching Spain. The kings were disinterested in ruling as well, leaving government in the hands of validos, or favorite ministers.

1. SPAIN IN THE 17TH CENTURY.

2. During the 16th century Spain was the most
powerful and important country in the world.
The 17th century meant the decline of Spain. This
happened because of several reasons:

5. 1. Spain took an important part in
the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).
It was caused due to religious
and economical reasons. A lot of
people died because of fights,
famine and diseases.

6. 2. Spain lost a lot of territories
from Europe, among them
Portugal.
In 1580 Spain
conquered Portugal
but...

7. 3. The kings spent a lot of
money, silver and gold in wars.
They did not spend money in
people, so they became poorer
and poorer.

8. 4. English and French pirates attacked the Spanish
ships that came from America. So, the silver and gold
did not reach Spain.

9. During the 17th century there were three
kings in Spain: Felipe III, Felipe IV and
Carlos II.

10. These kings were not interested in ruling
Spain and they had VALIDOS. The
kings only wanted to go hunting, go to
parties, have a good time, etc. Validos
were ministers that ruled the kingdom
instead of the king.

11. Duque de Lerma,
valido of Felipe III.

12. Conde Duque de Olivares, valido of
Felipe IV.