The Spanish Empire originated during the Age of Exploration and consisted of territories in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania administered by Spain. Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1492 led to Spain settling the Caribbean and conquering the Aztec and Inca empires in North and South America in the 16th century. At its peak in the 18th century, Spain had expanded across North America and the Pacific, though most of its remaining colonies like Cuba and Puerto Rico were lost to the United States in the 19th century after the Spanish-American War.

1. The Spanish Empire Hist 140 Theme 3 Part 2 Summer 2011 By: Le Thi My Ho