The Spanish Empire was created in 1492 with the unification of Castile and Aragon. Over the next three centuries, Spain became the most important colonial power in Europe due to the discovery of the Americas by Columbus and the vast wealth obtained from silver mines in Mexico and Bolivia. However, the many conflicts initiated by King Philip II to maintain Catholicism and undermine France bankrupted Spain by the late 16th century.

1. The Spanish EmpireB. Scott Tucker

2. A New KingdomKingdom of Spain crated in 1492 with the unification of the Kingdom of Castile & The Kingdom of AragonOver 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. Expansion1492, 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 GoalsAccess 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 IIPhillip 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 ConquistadorsSpanish 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 ConquistadorsHernan CortesAchieved Spanish Conquest of The Aztec Empire. (1519-1521)Francisco PizarroSpanish conquest of the Inca Empire.

9. Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Spainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_colonization_of_the_Americas