Spain By somalley Jan 1, 1469 Ferdinand II and Isabella I marry and unite Spain Jan 1, 1478 Spanish Inquisition Aug 3, 1492 Columbus departs Spain in search of direct trade route to India Jan 1, 1519 Cortes conquers Mexico Oct 19, 1532 Pizaffo conquers Peru Aug 8, 1588 Spanish Armada defeated by England Oct 19, 1701 The War of Spanish Succession starts Oct 20, 1714 War of Spanish Succession ends-Spain loses vast territories Jul 17, 1936 Spanish Civil War begins Apr 1, 1939 Civil War ends - General Francisco Franco becomes dictator Nov 19, 1975 Monarchy is restored in Spain