Why was Spain so powerful in the 16th century?

During the sixteenth century, Spain became the most powerful country in both Europe and the Americas. Spain rose to a position of power in the sixteenth century due to the consolidation of the two largest Spanish kingdoms, Aragon and Castile, in 1492, along with the conquest of Granada that same year.

Why was Spain so powerful in the 16th century?

During the sixteenth century, Spain became the most powerful country in both Europe and the Americas. Spain rose to a position of power in the sixteenth century due to the consolidation of the two largest Spanish kingdoms, Aragon and Castile, in 1492, along with the conquest of Granada that same year.

How old is Spain today?

Spain

Kingdom of Spain Reino de España (Spanish) show 4 other names
• De facto 20 January 1479
• De jure 9 June 1715
• First constitution 19 March 1812
• Current democracy 29 December 1978

What happened to all of Spain’s gold?

Originally Answered: what happened to all the gold that Spain mined from the New World? Spaniards used the gold to buy goods and services from England, France, and the Low Countries. Spaniards ended up with stacks of dry goods, other countries ended up with the gold, factories, and skills.

Did the Aztecs value gold?

The Aztecs valued using gold for plates, ornaments, medals, and other decorations.

Did the Aztecs have lots of gold?

The Aztecs certainly had lots of gold, but nowhere near as much as the conquistadors believed. The conventional wisdom was that pre-Columbian tribes worked only gold, copper and platinum found in their native state (i.e. almost pure, and not requiring any smelting).

Why was Spain the first to conquer the New World?

The Spanish Empire The motivations for colonial expansion were trade and the spread of the Christian faith through indigenous conversions. The Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon was an early invader of the Americas, traveling to the New World on Columbus’ second voyage.

How did Spain become rich?

Almost overnight, Spain became very rich taking home unprecedented quantities of gold and silver. These were stolen from the Incas and the mines that the Spanish came to control. The gold was used by the Spanish monarchy to pay off its debts and also to fund its ‘religious’ wars.