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King Henry dies and Ferdinand and Isabella become the King and Queen of Spain. During their reign, Spain's power increases greatly.
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Spain's golden age, called El Siglo de Oro, begins roughly around 1492. It is a time when the arts and literature flourished.
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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.
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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.
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Don Quixote, one of the finest works of Spain's golden age, is published by Michael de Cervantes.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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. -
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.
