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Spain’s Geographic Characteristic’s

• During the 16th century the Spanish created the most intimidating empire in European history by conquering and colonizing most of America. By 1550, Spain dominated the lands and people from the Caribbean and deep into both North and South America. The Spanish had greedy minds and even priests would feel it was right to dominate the world. They said their religion and a vision of Mary inspired them to conquer all of America and Indians should be punished for worshiping the devil. Spanish were known to carry the Black Legend, which meant they were arrogant and very cruel and brutal to the Natives. But it is said that all European countries were harsh on the Natives because when it came to power, they would do whatever it took to dominate America. The Spanish just had more opportunities to conquer more lands.

Spain’s Economic System

• The Spanish economy was one of the first global empire, colonies and territories in Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The marriage of the Reyes Catolicos, created a confederation of reigns, each with their own administrations, but ruled by a common monarchy. Spain was created by the Empire, rather than the Empire being created by Spain. In 1492, Spain drove out the last Moorish king of Granada. After their victory, the Catholic monarchs negotiated with Christopher Columbus to sail west and spread the kingdom. By the Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494, in which the globe was divided into 2 hemispheres between Spanish and Portuguese claims, Spain was able to claim a lot of land. They established colonies in the New World from Alaska to Cape Horn, except Brazil, and the east part of Asia. Spain was able to find gold and silver that made Spain extremely wealthy.