-
Jan 1, 1474
Ferdinand and Isabella
King Henry dies and Ferdinand and Isabella become the King and Queen of Spain. During their reign, Spain's power increases greatly. -
Jan 1, 1550
El Siglo de Oro
Spain's golden age, called El Siglo de Oro, begins roughly around 1492. It is a time when the arts and literature flourished. -
Jan 1, 1556
King Philip
Philip II, the great-grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella, becomes King. He is an absolute monarch and rules Spain with an iron fist. However, Spain flourishes under his command. -
Defeat of Spanish Armada
In 1588 the Spanish Armada is defeated. This is a costly blow to nation. About 60 of the 130 ships sent out returned - less than half. Many Spanish sailors perished in the battles, never to return to Spain again. A considerable amount of money was spent on the large fleet, which was baisically wasted becaus the Spanish came back defeated. -
Don Quixote
Don Quixote, one of the finest works of Spain's golden age, is published by Michael de Cervantes. -
Expulsion of the Moriscos from Spain
In 1609 action was finally taken to expel the Moriscos (Muslims who converted to Christianity) from Spain. This damaged the economy greatly because many Moriscos were skilled artisans and merchants -
Diego Velazquez
As a famed artist in the courts of King Phillip IV, Diego Velazquez created many painting. However, his most famous was called las Meninas (it's the photo shown here), created in 1656. -
Spain accepts independence of Portugul
After about a century of Spanish rule Spain acknowledges Portugals freedom. When Spain did this they gave up a large amount land. Especially valuable land too, it being on the coast and all. -
The War of Spanish Sucession
Charles II, King of Spain dies with no children of his own, Philip of Anjou, a grandson of the French king, Louis XIV the sucessor.
This causes discontent amongst Spain's people. The War of Spanish Sucession breaks out between Austria and France. -
Spain joins Seven Year War
A war between Britain, France, and Spain. When the war ends and The Treaty of Paris is signed Spain is forced to give Florida to England.
