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Jan 1, 1500
Spanish Power Grows
Spain emerges as the first modern European power. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand unified the country, enforced religious unity, and comanded Spanish conquest in the Americas. -
May 20, 1516
Charles V becomes Spanish 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
Inherits Another Crown
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. -
Period: Jan 1, 1550 to
Spain's Golden Age
It was referred to as the golden century for its brilliance of the arts and literature. -
May 28, 1554
Philip II and his Wives
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 V Gives up his 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
Philip II Strengthens Power
Charles V gave his son Philip, Spain, the Netherlands, and southern Italian states. Philip II created his own uncoditional power, expanded spanish influence and, strengthened the Catholic Church. He reign as an absolute monarch -
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 Sails Against England
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. -
Period: to
Decrease of Power
As Spain's power weakened, Dutch, French, and English fleets challenged Spain and ultimately surpassed their power in Europe and all around the world. -
Many Wonderful Artists
El Greco was one of the famous painters of the Golden Age. He produced hunting, religious pictures and amazing portraits of Spanish novels. He influenced the work of Diego Velazquez, known for his vivid portraits of Spanish royalty.
There were also outstanding writers such as Lope de Vega, and Miguel de Cervantes, known for his novel Don Quixote. -
Empire Declines
Throughout the 1600s, Spain's strength and prosperity decreased. The expensive overseas wars drained all the wealth Spain had leaving them with many economic problems.
