Spanish power grows

Columbus sets sail

Aug 3, 1492

Columbus set sail with 3 ships; Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.

Spanish power grows

Jan 1, 1500

Spain emerges as the first modern European power.

Charles V becomes King.

May 20, 1516

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.

Spain inherits the Hapsburg Empire

Nov 18, 1519

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

Phillip and his marriages

May 28, 1554

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.

Charles gives up power

Nov 10, 1556

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.

Phillip increases Spanish power

Nov 20, 1556

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.

Battle of Lepanto

Jun 30, 1571

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

Jan 1, 1588

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

Sep 13, 1598

Phillip dies of cancer in El Escorial, near Madrid passing power down to his son Phillip 3

Spain declines

Feb 3, 1650

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.