The Spanish Empire (Spanish: Imperio Español) comprised territories and colonies administered by the Spanish Crown in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It originated during the Age of Exploration and was one of the first global empires. Under the Spanish Habsburgs, Spain reached the peak of its political and economic power when its empire became the foremost global power. In conjunction with the Portuguese Empire, the Spanish Empire's establishment in the 15th century ushered in the modern global era and the rise of European dominance in global affairs. Spain's territorial reach beyond Europe spanned five centuries, from the first voyages to the Americas in 1492 until the loss of its last African colonies in 1975.
Read more about Spanish Empire: Definition, Origins, The Spanish Habsburgs: The Sun Never Sets (1516–1700), The Bourbon Spanish Empire: Reform and Recovery (1700–1808), Twilight of The Global Empire (1800–1899), Territories in Africa (1885–1975), Legacy
Famous quotes containing the words spanish and/or empire:
“How can I, that girl standing there,
My attention fix
On Roman or on Russian
Or on Spanish politics?”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“The sea, washing the equator and the poles, offers its perilous aid, and the power and empire that follow it.... “Beware of me,” it says, “but if you can hold me, I am the key to all the lands.””
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)