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Aug 3, 1492
Columbus sets sail
Columbus set sail with 3 ships; Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. -
Jan 1, 1500
Spanish power grows
Spain emerges as the first modern European power. -
May 20, 1516
Charles V becomes King.
Charles I, now known as Charles V became king of Spain allowing him to not only rule Spanish but, also rule over the Spanish colonies in America. -
Nov 18, 1519
Spain inherits the Hapsburg Empire
When Charles V's grandfather died in 1519, he became the inheritor of the extended Hapsburg empire. This empire included the Holy Roman Empire and the Netherlands. Having to rule two empires meant a constant warfare between other empires -
May 28, 1554
Phillip and his marriages
Philip II married Mary Tudor to create an alliance with England until her death. He also married three other women to build more important alliances and gain more power, in some cases, territories. -
Nov 10, 1556
Charles gives up power
Since the Hapsburg empire was too scattered and tiredsome, Charles V gave up his titles because it was too hard to rule effectively. He gave the Hapsburg lands in Europe to his brother Ferdinand. -
Nov 20, 1556
Phillip increases Spanish power
Charles V gave his son Philip, Spain, the Netherlands, and southern Italian states. Philip II created his own unconditional power, expanded Spanish influence and, strengthened the Catholic Church. -
Jun 30, 1571
Battle of Lepanto
The Ottoman Empire continued to pose threats to European control. In 1571, at the Battle of Lepanto, Spain and its Italian allies quickly defeated the Ottoman fleet off the coast of Greece -
Armada sets sail
To end English attacks and subdue the Dutch, King Philip prepared a huge armada. The Spanish armada sailed with more than 130 ships and 20,000 men. Although, they were confident about a victory, their prediction did not come to pass. They were outmaneuvered by the faster, lighter ships of England, and strong winds at sea favored them as well. -
Phillip dies
Phillip dies of cancer in El Escorial, near Madrid passing power down to his son Phillip 3 -
Spain declines
Throughout the 1600's, Spain's strength and prosperity decreased. The expensive overseas wars drained all the wealth Spain had leaving them with many economic problems.