Juan Garrido: The First Black Conquistador
In the annals of history, the narrative of conquest and exploration during the Age of Discovery is often dominated by the exploits of European adventurers. However, amidst the tales of...
These are just some of the frequently asked questions about the rich and complex history of Spain.
The Reconquista is the period of approximately 800 years (711-1492) during which the Christian kingdoms in the north of the Iberian Peninsula fought to reclaim territory taken by the Muslims.
The Catholic Monarchs refer to Queen Isabel I of Castile and King Fernando II of Aragón. Their marriage in 1469 united these two major kingdoms, laying the foundations for modern Spain.
Established in 1478 by the Catholic Monarchs, the Inquisition was an institution to pursue, judge, and eliminate heresies in the kingdom. It was particularly known for its persecution of Jews and Muslims who converted to Christianity.
The Catholic Monarchs issued a decree in 1492 expelling all Jews who did not convert to Christianity. This resulted in the dispersion of a thriving Jewish community and the loss of its cultural and economic influence.
The Invincible Armada was a naval fleet sent by King Philip II in 1588 to invade England, which at the time was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I. However, it was defeated by the English navy and by severe storms.
Fought between 1936 and 1939, the Civil War pitted Republicans against Nationalists, resulting in the victory of the Nationalists under General Francisco Franco. The war caused deep divisions in Spanish society, and Franco ruled as a dictator until his death in 1975.
Colonial expansion began in the late 15th century, especially after the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Spain sought riches, to spread Christianity, and to gain strategic advantages.
The Spanish Empire included parts of the Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. It encompassed territories like Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, parts of Italy, the Netherlands, and many others.
Fought between 1701 and 1714, this war was sparked by the death without an heir of the last Habsburg king of Spain. It ended with the Treaty of Utrecht, which reconfigured the balance of power in Europe.
After the death of Franco in 1975, Spain began a transition to democracy, culminating with the Constitution of 1978 and the election of a democratic government.
It is a group of Spanish writers, essayists, and poets who were deeply affected by Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War and the loss of its last colonies. They expressed profound criticism and renewal in Spanish literature.
Spain was one of the most affected European countries, with a collapse of the real estate market, high unemployment, and numerous cuts in public services. It took years for the economy to start recovering.
In the annals of history, the narrative of conquest and exploration during the Age of Discovery is often dominated by the exploits of European adventurers. However, amidst the tales of...
The Siege of Málaga in 1487 was a crucial military campaign during the Reconquista and the Granada War, marking a pivotal moment in the efforts of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella...
Spain has had a rich history with numerous significant monarchs who’ve ruled different kingdoms before the formation of what is now modern Spain. From Isabella I of Castile to Philip...
In human history, the Spanish Inquisition occupies a distinct place in terms of the sheer level of brutality that was perpetrated by the Spanish monarchs who were authorized by the...
Most known for invading Mexico and defeating the Aztec Empire in 1521, Hernán Cortés was a Spanish nobleman and famous explorer who helped expand the Empire of Spain into the...