Knowra Spanish Empire Spanish Empire The Spanish Empire was a global empire ruled by Spain from the late 15th century into the 19th century, with territories in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Spanish colonial administration : The institutions and officials through which Spain governed its overseas territories. Viceroyalties, courts, and councils turned royal claims into government across the empire.
Catholic Monarchs : The joint rulers Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose reigns began Spain's overseas expansion. Their marriage and policies established the monarchy that sponsored Atlantic expansion.
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor : The Habsburg ruler who governed Spain and a sprawling European and overseas inheritance during the 16th century. His reign joined Spanish expansion to Habsburg power across Europe.
Columbian Exchange : The transoceanic transfer of organisms, people, diseases, and goods after sustained contact between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia. Spanish voyages helped initiate exchanges that reshaped societies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Portuguese Empire : A global empire built by Portugal through maritime trade, settlements, and colonial rule from the 15th century onward. Portugal was Spain's principal Iberian rival in overseas expansion and partition.
Spanish treasure fleet : A convoy system that carried American bullion and goods between the Americas and Spain. These fleets moved wealth that financed the monarchy and connected its Atlantic possessions.
Columbus's first voyage : Christopher Columbus's 1492 Atlantic expedition, which initiated sustained Spanish contact with the Americas. It opened the route for Spanish claims and settlement in the Americas.
Philip II of Spain : King of Spain from 1556 to 1598, ruling during the empire's expansion and its conflicts with European rivals. He made Madrid the royal center and governed the empire at its 16th-century height.
Indigenous peoples of the Americas : The diverse original peoples and societies of the continents and islands of the Americas. Imperial conquest and rule profoundly altered Indigenous lands, communities, and political authority.
British Empire : A global empire ruled by Britain through colonies, dominions, protectorates, and other forms of control. Its later global reach offers a comparison with Spain's earlier imperial system.
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