Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
Spanish Empire
Zoe Julian David Sophie
Political:
1. How was your empire established? How did you come to power? How does
power pass from ruler to ruler? How does your empire establish legitimacy? (Why do
your people believe you have the right to rule?)
The Spanish began their empire by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand sending
Christopher Columbus to sail and claim territory for Spain. Colombus landed in the West
Indies and began the age of Spanish exploration. Many famous conquistadors such as
Hernan Cortes who Led conquest of Aztecs in Mexico, Central America, and Peru. When
conquering the native people Cortes and other Spanish conquistadors used Christianity to
legitimize their rule. By brainwashing the natives of South America with the ideas of them
being “god sent”. The natives were also forced to convert to Christianity or face
consequences like whipping, or death. The most powerful empire was the Spanish
Habsburgs, having the longest period of economic and cultural growth. Spain was a
monarchy and was ruled by Kings and Queens and was passed down through heritage.
2. How is your government organized? Who makes decisions and how? Who makes
the laws? Who enforces them? How do you collect taxes?
The government is a monarchy and Spain is ruled by Kings and Queens. The
monarchy has top influence over all things political and therefore makes the laws. The
Spanish monarchy sends out officials to collect taxes, but taxes still feed back into the
monarchy.
3. How is diplomacy conducted? Within the empire? With foreign states?
In 1493 Columbus furthered his exploration by making a second trip to Hispaniola.
He brought with him hundreds of settlers who were thirsty for power and wealth. The
settlers forced the native people to miner for gold and silver for the Spanish the take back to
Europe. If the natives refused, the Spanish would cut off their hands.
4. What is the role of religion in your empire? Religious policies?
The Spanish Religion in 1450 was a struggle between Catholicism, Islam, Judaism,
and Protestantism. However, over time that status would change. During this time
reconquest was occurring and the Christians were trying to push the Muslims out of europe.
The religion status was not yet Catholic but was quickly moving toward that result as time
went on.
5. Who are your models? Who are your competitors? Who are your allies? Who are
your enemies?
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
The competitors of the Spanish empire were generally other European Countries.
The other countries were growing along side the Spanish and were advancing just as
quickly as the Spanish. The Enemies of the Spanish varied throughout this time period and
changed between other Europeans and some of the Natives in the areas that they
conquered. The allies varied throughout the time period. During some wars, Spain sided
with France but, their allies were never constant.
6. What is your policy toward foreigners?
The foreign policy in the Spanish Empire was very similar to most European foreign
policies in this time period. Due to religion and wars going on in and between certain
countries the foreign policy was extremely strict.
7. How much importance is placed on the military? Who makes up your
military? What is the state of your military technologies? The Spanish Empire placed a
great deal of importance on the military. During the 16th and 17th centuries Spain was
steadily building up their military. During the Italian Wars (1494-1559) the spanish army
transformed their overall organization and tactics. They went from a pike and halberd
wielding force to the first pike and shot formation. This then evolved into the tercio infantry
formation. They developed these techniques because of Spain’s inability to field enough
cavalry forces to face the French’s cavalry. Spain received a lot of money from their
colonies the Americas so they were able to fund large campaigns against their enemies.
8. Has your influence expanded or been reduced? What are the reasons? What is
the impact?
The influence of Spain has increased greatly. It began when Charles V was heir to
the Habsburg throne. The Habsburgs decided to unite the households through marriage
which greatly strengthened the influence of Spain. Also Christopher Columbus’ discovery of
the New World was an important step to the expansion of Spanish influence, especially in
south America.
9. What internal factors, groups, organizations, institutions support or hinder your
political goals? Politically the spanish colonies helped by providing raw materials. This
provided the Spanish Empire with materials that could be converted into manufactured
goods. This boosted the economy and overall helped the king gain more support. The
Enlightenment both helped and hindered the empire’s political goals. Different philosophers
had different beliefs on the way government should be run. Depending on the certain
philosophers belief it may boost support for political goals or greatly hinder them.
10. What external challenges do you face? How will you address those challenges?
Prior to 1588, Spain was one of the biggest european powers. Spain had large amounts of
colonies spread all over North and South America. With these colonies they were gaining large amounts
of natural resources such as silver and gold mined by the indigenous people. However, this period of
Spanish dominance was challenged when in 1588 a battle broke out between the Spanish Armada and
the English. This was known as the Battle of the Gravelines. The Spanish Armada suffered from terrible
weather and as a result, the Spanish lost this battle. This marked the end of Spanish dominance as their
Armada was the main way that the Spanish conquered their challenges.
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
11. What are the political changes occurring? What are the continuities? Global
reasons?
When the Inca’s military was destroyed and it was decimated the empire political leadership was
weakened because of all the violence that was going at this time.Because of the Jews and Muslims being
expelled from Spain,Spanish economy began to suffer. The monarchy was still the continuous form of
government. During the Napoleonic Wars and Spain siding with France, This was caused a lot of
casualties for Spain. The Spanish Armada also depleted the Spanish population and caused political
conflicts.
Social:
12. How is your society organized? Who has influence? How is status determined? Is
there mobility? Is so, how do people move up in society?
In the Spanish New World there is a caste-like system called the “Sistema de
Castas.” The pure blood spaniards were on the top of this caste systems. Underneath them
there came the mixed race people. This included children of an African and Spaniard
(mulatto), a spaniard and mulatto (morisco), Spaniard and indigenous person (mestizo), and
a mestizo and a spaniard (castizo). There was little to no mobility between castes, but the
systems were less rigid than the spaniards in charge wanted it to be. It became difficult to
determine one's race by the 17th century. Eventually people of mixed race outnumbered
spaniards.
13. How does your society manage cultural diversity? How are conquered people or
minority groups treated?
The strict caste-like system of the Spanish New World clearly dictates how the
minority groups and especially the conquered amerindians should be treated. Although this
was never strictly followed, especially in the smaller villages, the general rules were unfair.
The conquered people were not treated with the same respect as the spaniards. The for
inter-racial marriage in the new world by the spanish government helped with the equality
because by the 1600’s or a bit later there was so much marriage between groups that it was
hard to determine a person’s race.
14. What is the role of women? How are women treated in your empire? Is this a
change or a continuity from the previous era?
There is no extreme change in the role of women in the Spanish Empire. Spanish
society in the colonies promoted marriage between the spaniards and the indigenous
people to encourage the two groups to get along and to deter revolts by the amerindians.
Women were not seen as equals, but starting in the 1700’s young men and women began
choosing their own spouses, instead of their parents choosing for them. This was a
phenomenon that occurred all over Europe during this time period. Marriages also started to
happen later because education became a more important part of life. Bourgeois men
needed to finish their education and craftsmen had to finish their apprentices. Later
marriage meant that the young men and women were less attached to their parents when
they decided to get married.
15. How is knowledge shared or passed to the next generation? Knowledge was
usually passed down through written texts. After the invention of the printing press, it was
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
easier to pass information down generations and to spread it across wider areas and
populations.
16. What demographic shifts are occurring in your realm? The only major demographic
shifts were the people who moved from continental spain to the colonies in the americas.
No other major demographic shifts occurred.
17. What social problems do you face? How will you address those challenges?
The colonies of spain in the americas had different culture than spain itself because of the
mix of heritage in the colonies. Many amerindians were treated badly by the spanish
colonists because of their heritage. The spanish government encouraged marriage between
racial groups partly to diffuse the social problems but mainly to make sure that the
indigenous people did not revolt against Spain.
18. What are the social changes occurring? What are the continuities? Global
reasons? The biggest social changes are the mixing of racial groups in the colonies.
Although there was still a lot of prejudice, the groups were becoming more mixed and
indistinguishable, which made it difficult to enforce any caste system laws. One of the main
continuities was the role of women. Throughout this time period women were treated the
same and were never given any more or less rights or privileges.
Science/Technology:
19. To what degree have new ideas and science influenced your realm?
Discoveries in the Scientific Revolution were incredibly useful for the Spaniards.
Although the Spaniards themselves did not come up with many of the great Scientific
processes they still used them through the spread of ideas.
20. What technologies have you either created or adopted? How are you using
them?
What technologies are you actively seeking? How would you use them, how would
they help you?
Technologies such as gunpowder and discoveries in the scientific revolution greatly
influenced this empire during the 1450 to 1750 period. Gunpowder helped the Spanish gain
chunks of land at a time, and were a gateway to extended research of what gunpowder
could do.
21. What factors, groups, organizations support or hinder your military goals?
The great plague of Seville killed 25% of the population sending Spain into an
economic crisis. Spain also went through many economic administration problems in
Castile. Inflation broke out throughout Spain causing the focus to be on the economic crisis
at hand rather than the military. Spain sided with France during the Napoleonic wars and
lost a lot of men in their military. Competitors such as Great Britain had an opportunity to
gain significant land and were improving their empire which made them an imminent threat.
22. What challenges do you face in terms of modernization of your technology?
What is the state of your infrastructure?
When conquering other regions such as the America’s, Spain used swords and
horsemen to maintain order. Throughout the period firearms were also introduced. This
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
greatly helped the conquistadors because the natives were defenseless against these
worldly new weapons. The Spanish also used massive ships to sail across the Atlantic to
conquer new lands. Their infrastructure of Spain was adapted from that of the Holy Roman
Empire as they both shared Catholic beliefs.
23. What are the technology changes? What are the continuities? Global reasons?
Technologies were constantly improving in the Spanish Empire and changes were
based on the military most importantly because of the global conquest going on during this
time period. Innovations such as the Galleon or Gunpowder helped the Spanish obtain a
strong navy and a good army. This gunpowder served as a huge benefit to Spain and was
used to fight during their many wars, such as The Thirty Years War, and the War of
succession. Continuities were very few since the time period was so full of change but one
of the continuities was Spain continually used horses as a mode of transportation. Even in
conquered lands such as South America ( where Inca and Aztec were conquered)
conquistadors used horses to oversee the mining of gold and silver done by the natives.
The ships the Spanish were also overall constant. With the exception of some minor
improvements, the overall structure and idea of the boats stayed constant.
Economic:
24. What is the state of your economy? What is the basis of your economic system?
What are your policies towards trade and commerce? What trade networks are you
linked to? Who controls them? Who are your trading partners? What
goods/products do you sell, what do you import? Is there a trade imbalance?
Spanish economics from 1450 to 1750 was primarily focused and dependant on
trade with Africa, and more recently, India and the Philippines in Asia. Under Ferdinand and
Isabella, Spain funded a naval fleet to defend their colonies, as well as supporting
Christopher Columbus. With the discovery of the New World by Spanish conquistadors,
gold and silver begun to dominate the economy, much of which was sold throughout
Europe. However, trade and economic policy in Spain was improperly managed, leading to
a brief economic boom, followed by inflation and future economic decline for the country.
Decline in the production of many domestic goods, especially in agriculture, mining and
smithing industries, and the textile industry. Trading partners included Amerindians,
England, Netherlands, Italy, India, the Philippines and multiple countries in Central Europe.
The major trade imbalance was importing more gold and silver than necessary, and
generally becoming to reliant on imported goods from the rest of Europe.
25. What is the state of industry and manufacturing in your empire?
There was a strong flow of domestic manufacturing and production before the
emergence of the New World, but with the Spanish colonial empire in place, domestic
manufacturing declined and Spaniards became more reliant on foreign goods.
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
26. What labor system (s) do you use in your empire?
Slave labour was prominent in the Americas, indigenous Amerindians were
conquered and put to work for Spanish benefit. Spanish indentured servants were used
throughout the Spanish colonies as an opportunity for the Spanish poor to work themselves
to financial stability, specifically working in the Caribbean on sugarcane plantations.
27. What groups/organizations/companies/institutions support or hinder your
economic goals?
The Spaniards had many organizations who hindered their power economically,
especially in the time of the conquistadors and the rush to claim land in Asia and the
Americas. One example was those in the Portuguese independence movement, such as
the Catalans. The English fleet, who took down the Spanish Armada. Revolting Amerindian
Empires or tribes. The French, especially In the period of the French-Spanish War, who
also competed for American lands and supported the Catalans revolting against the
Spanish King until the war ended with the Treaty of Pyrenees.
28. What economic challenges do you face? How will you address those challenges?
An overdependence on new world riches such as gold and silver, which led to
inflation, and thus, an economic decline. The English fleet who defeated the Spanish
Armada. Amerindian and Filipino revolt were both constant challenges. Wars with other
European nations regarding the newfound wealth of Spain. The Spanish will slowly loosen
their grip on American resources and humble themselves into primarily focusing on
European trade.
29. What are the economic changes? What are the economic continuities? Global
reasons?
The most important economic changes followed the European age of exploration,
peaking with the discovery of the New World and the resources available there. Globalism
became a reality during the age of exploration, which led to competition between countries.
There is a noticeable lack of economic continuities until Spain managed to restore it’s
economy to normal after it’s collapse, putting a stronger focus on domestic products as New
World colonies begun to demand independence.
Summary:
30. What is your empire like at the beginning of the period? What is it like by the end
of
the period? What were the significant changes that impacted your empire? What
were the causes of those changes? Provide global context. Identify and describe
one continuity in your empire and compare to another area of the world that is either
similar or different. Provide reasons for the similarity or difference.
In the beginning of the period, in 1492, Christopher Columbus was sent by Queen
Isabella and King Ferdinand to go out and conquest land for Spain. Columbus landed in the
West Indies and gained territory for Spain. Another famous explorer for Spain, Hernan
Cortez conquered the Aztecs in Mexico and spread many diseases which wiped out a
thousands of the native population. Spain also began to claim territory in South America.
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
They found silver in South America and began forcing the natives to mine for the silver
creating a worldwide crave for this material. China especially took interest in the silver and
eventually ended up with the largest amount of silver. At the end of the period Spain had
spread its influence to other European nations and Portugal as well as other countries
began to conquest new territory. Africa was similar to Spain in that they both traded
valuable exports to other countries in order to get what they wanted. For example, Africa
traded their own people as slaves to obtain valuable textile goods and rifles. Spain traded
silver in order to obtain different good from Asia and Africa such as porcelain or silk.
31. What are the greatest strengths and weakness of your empire?
The Spanish were very good at taking control of their newly acquired lands. For
example, Fransico Pizzaro, Hernan Cortez, and other conquistadors demolished the native
population with the unintentional diseases brought to the new world from Europe. The
Spanish also were very effective in getting people to convert to Christianity. They
persuaded the natives to convert by telling them “God wanted them too.” They would also
force those who restrained to convert or just kill them. The weakness of the empire was an
overdeprencde on riches such as gold and silver. Since these were the main exports, the
amount increased to the extent inflation occurred. This led to an economic failure.The
English fleet who defeated the Spanish Armada and the Amerindian and Filipino revolt were
both constant challenges of the Spanish . Wars with other European nations regarding the
newfound wealth of Spain. also caused a great blow to the economic success of Spain. The
Spanish slowly were forced to loosen their grip on American resources and humble
themselves into primarily focusing on European trade.
32. What are the benefits of increased global convergence from your perspective?
What are the negatives?
The convergence of the the world it benefitted was by giving Spain more land meaning
Spain had more land to conquer and to control which helped them gain global superiority in
trade and the spread of the Catholic religion. Negatives could be that Spain competitors
such as Great Britain had an opportunity to gain significant land and were improving their
empire which made them an imminent threat.
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
Spanish Empire (Zoe and Sophie)
Page 1
Important Conquistadors
 (1519-1521)Hernan Cortes- Led conquest of Aztecs in Mexico, Central America,
and Peru.
 (1531-1533)Francisco Pizarro- Led conquest of Inca in Peru.
Summary of Greatest Achievements and Important Events
 in 1492, Christopher Columbus was sent by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to
go out and conquest land for Spain. Columbus landed in the West Indies and gained
territory for Spain.
 Another famous explorer for Spain, Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztecs in Mexico
and spread many diseases which wiped out a thousands of the native population.
Spain also began to claim territory in South America.
 They found silver in South America and began forcing the natives to mine for the
silver creating a worldwide crave for this material.
 China especially took interest in the silver and eventually ended up with the largest
amount of silver. At the end of the period Spain had spread its influence to other
European nations and Portugal as well as other countries began to conquest new
territory.
 The most important economic changes followed the European age of exploration,
peaking with the discovery of the New World and the resources available there.
Globalism became a reality during the age of exploration, which led to competition
between countries. There is a noticeable lack of economic continuities until Spain
managed to restore its economy to normal after it’s collapse, putting a stronger focus
on domestic products as New World colonies begun to demand independence.
 An overdependence on new world riches such as gold and silver, which led to
inflation, and thus, an economic decline. The English fleet who defeated the Spanish
Armada. Amerindian and Filipino revolt were both constant challenges. Wars with
other European nations regarding the newfound wealth of Spain. The Spanish will
slowly loosen their grip on American resources and humble themselves into primarily
focusing on European trade.
 The Spanish Religion in 1450 was a struggle between Catholicism, Islam, Judaism,
and Protestantism. However, over time that status would change. During this time
reconquest was occurring and the Christians were trying to push the Muslims out of
europe. The religion status was not yet Catholic but was quickly moving toward that
result as time went on.
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
Map of Territory
Important Dates
-1492 Columbus was sent by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to explore the new world
-1701 War of Spanish succession was fought between European powers over who had the right to succeed Charles
II as King of Spain
-1480- The Jews and Muslims were persecuted and called “power thirsty” and were banned and exiled from Spain.
Isabella and Ferdinand begin to drive the Muslims from Granada causing massive economic repercussions.
1494-The treaty of Tortesillas between Spain and Portugal was established. The treated stated an agreement on a
line that divided the “New World” and land between these two countries.
1618 Thirty Years War begins. It was a war between the regions of the Holy Roman Empire. Catholic and Protestants
fought for dominance over the other. It gradually evolved into a war of power between central Europe. Spain sided
with the Catholics throughout the war.
·
1648- Peace at Westphalia was established. This stated that Spain recognized the Independence of the Dutch
Republic.
1702- Beginning of War of Spanish Succession occurred. This war took place because of the the conflict of who had
the right to succeed Charles II as king of Spain.
1714-War of Spanish Succession ends. The end result was King Philip became the new ruler of Spain. Spanish
ceded their territories to Charles VI. Spain lost a lot of their territory during this agreement. . Aragon, Valencia, and
Catalonia all lose the ability to self-govern themselves.
Page 2 of study guide
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
Zoe and Sophie-Thesis:
Between 1450 and 1750 the Spanish Empire expanded across parts of
Europe and regions of South America. Throughout this time period
technological advancements are being explored especially wiht
weaponry. The economy of Spain is constantly changing and many
outbreaks of war take place. The most significant continuity is the role
the Catholic Church plays in the empire. The Catholic Church,
connected to the Holy Roman Empire which was a role model for
Spanish government. Due to this, many religious groups were
persecuted such as Jews and Muslims.
Zoe-Timeline:
1478- The Roman Catholic church is established. This is a big deal because It becomes
the justification for ruling in the Americas. Spain becomes heavily Catholic.
1480- The Jews and Muslims were persecuted and called “power thirsty” and were
banned and exiled from Spain. Isabella and Ferdinand begin to drive the Muslims from
Granada causing massive economic repercussions.
1492- The Muslims are officially defeated. The Jews who did not adapt to Christian and
Catholic beliefs were forced out of Spain. Christopher Columbus was also sent out by
Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to claim land for Spain and explore. Columbus
landed in the Caribbean and was credited with “discovering” the Americas.
1494-The treaty of Tortesillas between Spain and Portugal was established. The treated
stated an agreement on a line that divided the “New World” and land between these
two countries.
1519-1521 Charles V becomes the “Holy Roman” emperor.Hernan Cortez lands in
Mexico. He conquered the Aztecs and turned them into slaves and forced them to mine
for silver and gold. Also forced the Aztecs to convert to Christianity. The ban of Lutheran
books, beliefs also took place during this time.Spain was trying to be fully Catholic and
did not need Luther interfering.
Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
1532-1550 Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca in South America. Spain has now
expanded its territory dramatically. Spain is now in possession of of Mexico, Central
America, West Indies, Southwestern United States, and Western South America.
1588-1590 King Philip sent the Spanish Armada to go against the English navy fleet.
The English however won and the Spanish were defeated. Spain conquered the
Philippians and faces disturbances in Saragossa.
1609- A truce between Spain and Dutch was formed. This truce was known as the
Treaty of Antwerp and lasted for 12 years. It ended the hostilities of the Eighty Years
War.
1618 Thirty Years War begins. It was a war between the regions of the Holy Roman
Empire. Catholic and Protestants fought for dominance over the other. It gradually
evolved into a war of power between central Europe. Spain sided with the Catholics
throughout the war.
·
1648- Peace at Westphalia was established. This stated that Spain recognized the
Independence of the Dutch Republic.
1702- Beginning of War of Spanish Succession occurred. This war took place because
of the the conflict of who had the right to succeed Charles II as king of Spain.
1714-War of Spanish Succession ends. The end result was King Philip became the new
ruler of Spain. Spanish ceded their territories to Charles VI. Spain lost a lot of their
territory during this agreement. . Aragon, Valencia, and Catalonia all lose the ability to
self govern themselves.
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David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
Zoe-Works Cited
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Zoe Spirgel
David Misra
Julian Lopez-Leyva
Sophia Spiliotopoulos
components%2Fscrapbook%2Fdefault.php%3Fsectiondetailid%3D5158%26&sa=D&sntz=1&us
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