La Historia de España (https://www.softschools.com/timelines/spain_history_timeline/163/)

By bandrews@esu5.org
  • 711

    Muslims conquer Iberian Peninsula

    The Muslims from North Africa push their way into the Iberian peninsula, defeating the Visogoths living in the south. Known as the Moors, the invaders name their new land al-Andalus. In 766 they make Cordoba their capital.
  • 722

    The Reconquista Begins

    Christians rulers try to take back the peninsula. The north becomes a space for Christians to escape Muslim rule.
  • 1000

    Battles continue (10th century to 13th century AD)

    Christian kings unify and push the Muslims out of the land. In 1037, Fernando of Castile conquers Leon. In 1094 Muslims attack El Cid's fortress in Valencia. By the 13th century, Valencia is a Christian region.
  • 1200

    Muslim Control Weakens

    By the 1200s Muslim control over the region has broken. The only stronghold left is in Granda, in southern Spain.
  • 1492

    Spanish Exploration

    Spain opens doors for exploration in the Americas starting with Christopher Columbus. The conquests are to spread Christianity, but also to seek gold and riches for the kingdom. Spain becomes the first European power with an overseas empire.

  • Spanish Armada Sinks

    Tensions for control of the seas between Spain and England erupt and two fleets meet in the waters off of England. The Spanish Armada is defeated by the English navy.

  • A Loss of Colonies

    During the 1800s many of Spain's colonies throughout the world declare independence. Spain loses Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Cuba.

  • War of Independence

    The Spanish War of Independence occurs after Napoleon tries to invade Spain, but finds resistance. Britain and Portugal join the war and defeat Napoleon.

  • World War I and Beyond

    During the Great War, Spain declares itself neutral. At the end of the war, Spain has trouble with a rebel in Morocco who tries to liberate the land.

  • King Alfonso XIII Steps Down

    Unrest and dissatisfaction with royal rule grows. King Alfonso flees the country when the Second Spanish Republic comes to power. He eventually settles in Rome.

  • The Spanish Civiil War

    Spain holds an election and the Popular Front candidate wins. The military headed by Francisco Franco revolts. The Spanish Civil War lasts for three years with over 600,000 people killed. Franco declares war over on April 1, 1939.

  • World War II

    Spain declares itself neutral during the war. However, Franco makes 40,000 soldiers available to help Hitler's cause. Franco changes allegiance when Hitler begins to lose.

  • Franco's Government

    Franco sets up a dictatorship. There is stability, the people have limited freedoms. In the 1950s and 1960s he relaxes controla bit. Franco dies in 1975.

  • A New Rule

    Franco wants to join Juan Carlos, the grandson of Alfonso XIII, to rule after him. However, when Juan Carlos becomes king, he does not follow Franco's wishes. Instead he sets up a democratic process.