By;

Robert Vasilachi & Tommy Doyle

 The Spanish Empire (Spanish: Imperio
Español; Latin: Imperium Hispanicum),
historically known as the Hispanic Monarchy
(Spanish: Monarquía Hispánica) and as the
Catholic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía
Católica) was one of the largest empires in
history.
 The spanish empire began in the late 15th
century and ended in the late 20th century.
 The spanish empire was considered the most
powerful empire between the 16th century until
the middle 17th century, it reached its
maximum extension in the 18th century.
 The Spanish Empire was the first empire to be
called "the empire on which the sun never
sets“.
 Although the power of the Spanish sovereign
as monarch varied from one territory to
another, the monarch acted as such in a unitary
manner over all the ruler's territories through a
system of councils.
 In 1580, when Philip II of Spain succeeded to
the throne of Portugal (as Philip I), he
established the Council of Portugal, which
oversaw Portugal and its empire and preserved
its own laws and institutions.
 The Iberian Union remained in place until in
1640, when Portugal overthrew Hapsburg rule
and reestablished independence under the
House of Braganza.
 Under Philip’s rule the spanish empire was
identified as the most powerful nation, easily
eclipsing France and Britain.
 Even though they were being attacked by other
European countries they still remained in
power.
 The Battle of Pavia (1525) marked the
beginning of Spanish dominance in Italy,
Spain's claims to Naples and Sicily in southern
Italy dated back to the 15th century.
 While Venice, the Papal States, Este, and Savoy
retained their independence, the rest of the
Italian Peninsula either became part of the
Spanish Empire or looked to it for protection.
 There were no Italian revolts against Spanish
rule until 1647.
 In the early 16th century, it conquered and
incorporated the Aztec and Inca Empires,
retaining indigenous elites loyal to the Spanish
crown and converts to Christianity.