During the 16th century, Spain created a vast empire through conquest and colonization of much of North and South America. They dominated the lands from the Caribbean westward, driven by religious justification for domination as well as greed for gold and silver. The Spanish established global colonies and territories through aggressive expansionism and the wealth generated made Spain extremely powerful economically for a time.

2. Spain’s Geographic Characteristic’s
• During the 16th century the Spanish created the most
intimidating empire in European history by conquering and
colonizing most of America. By 1550, Spain dominated the
lands and people from the Caribbean and deep into both
North and South America. The Spanish had greedy minds
and even priests would feel it was right to dominate the
world. They said their religion and a vision of Mary inspired
them to conquer all of America and Indians should be
punished for worshiping the devil. Spanish were known to
carry the Black Legend, which meant they were arrogant and
very cruel and brutal to the Natives. But it is said that all
European countries were harsh on the Natives because
when it came to power, they would do whatever it took to
dominate America. The Spanish just had more opportunities
to conquer more lands.

3. Spain’s Economic System
• The Spanish economy was one of the first global
empire, colonies and territories in Europe, America,
Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The marriage of the Reyes
Catolicos, created a confederation of reigns, each with
their own administrations, but ruled by a common
monarchy. Spain was created by the Empire, rather
than the Empire being created by Spain. In 1492, Spain
drove out the last Moorish king of Granada. After their
victory, the Catholic monarchs negotiated with
Christopher Columbus to sail west and spread the
kingdom. By the Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494, in which
the globe was divided into 2 hemispheres between
Spanish and Portuguese claims, Spain was able to
claim a lot of land. They established colonies in the
New World from Alaska to Cape Horn, except Brazil,
and the east part of Asia. Spain was able to find gold
and silver that made Spain extremely wealthy.