Spain and the Spanish Indies

simeon.netchev:

This map illustrates the dramatic rise and gradual decline of Spain as a global imperial power between the late 15th and late 17th centuries. Emerging from a union of northern Iberian kingdoms, Spain reached its zenith under Habsburg rule, controlling vast territories across Europe and overseas in the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

The union of Castile and Aragon through the marriage of Isabella I of Castile (reign 1474–1504) and Ferdinand II of Aragon (reign 1479–1516) created the foundation for a unified Spanish monarchy. The conquest of Granada in 1492 and overseas expansion, beginning with Columbus’s voyages, marked the start of Spain’s global rise. Under Charles I (reign 1516–1556), also Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and Philip II (reign 1556–1598), Spain reached its peak, ruling parts of Europe, the Americas, and Asia. However, military overreach, economic strain, and political instability, especially under Charles II (reign 1665–1700), led to decline, culminating in a weakened empire by the century’s end.

Collection: world-history - Tags: spanish-empire, colonies - Source: instagram.com