The document summarizes the history of Spain from the 15th to 18th centuries. It describes Spain's rise to power under King Carlos I and Felipe II due to territories inherited in Europe and the colonization of America. The 17th century was a crisis period with costly wars in Europe ruining the economy, population decline, and political rebellions in Catalonia and Portugal. At the end of the 18th century, King Carlos II created the Royal Academies and Factories to promote science and the economy. Socially, the nobility and clergy were privileged groups who owned most land and paid no taxes, while common people paid taxes. In the 17th century, Spain experienced a cultural Golden Age with great painters like Velaz