Globalization: The Rise Of Spain's Golden Age

Many people have heard of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. However, only some know of all the things they accomplished. They might be best known for funding the voyages of Christopher Columbus, but they also greatly contributed to the unity of Spain (“Isabella l”). Together, they brought many kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula together to form what Spain is today. Through Spain’s unification, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella strengthened Spain into an economic and dominant world power, enabling the spread of Christianity and the colonization of a New World.

Throughout history, as we study Spain we can clearly recognize high and low points in their success. In the fifteen hundreds Spain had no influence on European affairs, Spain essentially vanished out of Europe. However, within one complete century Spain had become not only a leading power but they also had a great sense of effectiveness in Europe. Spain experienced a Golden age with many social, economic, political aspects. On the other hand, within

With the defeat of the Spanish armada in 1588, Spain began a steady decline to a second rate power. Consequently shifting their original goal of exploring to maintaining or colonizing what lands they still possess.

In addition, there were many domestic and foreign policies Philip II created during his rule in power. One policy he created was against the Muslims. As of the year that he created the policy, he lost half of the strength of his navy from losing wars with the Turkish Empire, as talked about before ("Philip II"). While attempting to repair his navy back to its full strength once again, the Muslim pirates attacked Spain. Prisoners were taken, but King Philip was able to bring back his navy, but soon enough, the Turks attacked again and it was looking very poor for Spain at this point ("Good King Philip?"). After many more small wars, both sides were left with very little military presence, so Spain and France signed a truce. Philip II also created a two-fold policy: “He sent ministers to Portugal to build up support for him being king which would have meant Spain absorbing Portugal into her kingdom” (Trueman). He also created a very large army, also stated above. The noblemen of Portugal supported Philip II, and also clearly hoped to get rewards for their support. Nearly all of the problems Philip II faced were results of his policies and problems that were soon to be fixed.

During the 15th century, many considered Spain insignificant. However, within a century it became a world-dominant power in Europe. Although Spain only took a brief time to rise, it was also short-lived. The rise of Spain was due to its flourishing culture, stable political system and successful voyages to the New World. On the other hand, its decline was due to religious control, resistance from other countries and inflation.

According to Spain then and now, (2011), “In contrast to Spain’s startling growth of political power and prestige during the 16th century, the 17th century is commonly seen as one of decline.” Not merely historical hindsight, this view was already articulated in the early 17th century by a group of writers known as arbitristas. They lamented the deterioration of the country, and offered suggestions for both political and especially economic reform. Who recognised the stark contrast between the appearance of imperial greatness and the reality of social and economic problems in their country. Events of the 17th century confirm the foresight of the best of these early political economists. Since then there has been general consensus that Spain

I am writing to you today in hopes of expanding Spain’s influence into the American territory of Mexico and Florida. I would like to sail to these new lands in hopes of finding resources such as: Cotton, Silk, Spices, Vegetables, Tobacco, Gold, Sugar, the list could go on and on. I know we will find these resources in these lands because of the Columbian Exchange which was created by fellow explorer Christopher Columbus. Exploring these new lands could strengthen Spain’s ties with the American colonies and could possibly be allies in trade and in war. We may face hardships like unpredictable weather and lack of territorial knowledge but I am prepared to take necessary precautions so that everything will go smoothly. This will also give Spain

In Imperial Spain, J.H. Elliot examines the history of early modern Spain from the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, to the reformation of the Spanish government by the first member of the Bourbon dynasty. According to the author, at the start of the 15th century, Spain was internally weak, hopelessly divided and isolated from the continent by the Pyrenees. Yet, by 1492, Spanish society experienced a tremendous transformation which allowed Isabella and Ferdinand to unify the country, secure the largest transoceanic empire the world has ever known, and for a

Because Spain needed money, Philip raised taxes on the Netherlands. He also tried to ruin Protestantism. People were angry and came to Catholic churches to protest. Philip sent an army to punish the mobs of people, which resulted in one thousand, five hundred Protestants murdered. In addition, Philip was a ruler with great power that did what he had to for his country.

Spain’s perceived “Golden Age” is a broad classification unconfined to a specific era. The Golden Age has long been affiliated with the growth of a uniquely Spanish identity that arose with the flourishing of arts, architecture and literature expanding notably in the years of Phillip II, and flourishing in the 17th century – the same century traditionalist historians identify as the decline of Spain. To consider the golden age of Spain on a purely art and literature basis however misses the point, the Golden Age in all contexts appeared from the development of the Spanish Empire. On the European stage Spain appeared at the height of its “Golden Age” during the reign of Phillip II, Spain was the centre piece of the world’s greatest power

With the dawn of the 16th century began the worldwide interest for expanding ones empire as well as looking for new trade routes that would bring new product to different parts of the world more efficiently. At the head stone of these new advances were three of the most powerful nations in the world at this time. Spain, France and England These three nations, although they were all looking to occupy an area of the world that was relatively new for each of them, did not always share the same intentions. Because of this Spain, France and England shared some similar and some very different experiences. Dealings with the Native Americans, colonization and trade were just some of the issues where there was

Charles V stepped down in 1556 and Philip II took over when he was young. Already, Philip was getting praise from people in the administration. He had the characteristics of listening to advisors while still showing that he was informed in the topic of discussion. Ambassador Suriano even said that “in the king’s eyes no nation is superior to the Spaniards. It is among them that he lives, it is they that he consults, and it is they that direct his policy; in all this he is acting quite contrary to the habit of his father.” Philip is different from his father because he

Philip's character itself is a critical as his personality and characteristics convey, not only himself, but also his empire to others. It is believed by some historians that Philip was a far poorer leader than his father, Charles I, who had reigned before him. Philip grew up to be an outsider and carried this flaw with him into leadership. He never fully trusted anyone and so was incapable

The fascinating and beautiful country of Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe. The history that Spain has had has left great stories to tell and remarkable landmarks to visit. Spain is located in the south west corner of Europe, with its neighboring countries, Portugal and France. It has a population of forty million plus people, but almost one-third of the nation’s population is foreigners that reside in its territory. One of the most important facts about Spain is that its economy is one of the largest in the world. Spain is currently in a recession, with low employment rates and poverty.

During the early 1700s, The Spanish Succession was a huge European conflict that was brought upon by the death of Charles II “the last of the Spanish Habsburgs.” This war was fought between two groups of European countries, The Two Crowns, and the Great Alliance, lasting from 1701, until 1714 (Britannica.com).