The History of Spain
analytical Essay
1842 words
What makes a Spaniard unique within Western civilization? Why is Spain
so different from other European countries? Some people look for a
simple geographic answer. But the fact is that its geography has not
changed that much since the days when Spain, as so many other European
lands, was but a piece in the grand imperial mosaic put together by
Rome. This common background persisted for several centuries as
northern European tribes - Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Franks - overran
southern Europe and established themselves there.
[IMAGE]What really made the difference was the arrival in Spain of the
Arabs early in the 8th century. From that moment on, Spains
development took on a distinctive character. While it is true that the
Arabs also reached up into France, they were soon thrown back. In
Spain it was a different story. The Moslems conquered much of the
Iberian peninsula and stayed on for nearly eight centuries.
Small Christian nuclei in northern Spain resisted the Moslem invaders
from the beginning. Over the centuries these rugged groups grew into
powerful Christian kingdoms that pushed the infidel ever southward.
During this prolonged struggle, Spain served as an advance post for
Christianity, a religious frontier. The main performers on this
medieval stage were the monk and the warrior - the man who prayed and
the man who fought; the man who reflected upon death and the man who
faced it on the battlefield. The victory achieved after nearly 800
years of effort gave the Spaniard a feeling of superiority, which was
reinforced by medieval chroniclers who were quick to remind them that
their country had once given great emperors to Rome. In that long
contest Spain put ideological values ahead of purely material
interests. Rivers were more often used as moats behind which to fight
raiders than as trade routes. Cities sprang up not because of
economics but because of strategic imperatives. Such was the case of
Segovia; and it was as a guardian of the mountain passes that Madrid
had its humble beginnings.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that spain's geography hasn't changed much since the days when it was just a piece in the grand imperial mosaic put together by rome.
- Explains that the arrival of the arabs in spain in the 8th century gave spain a distinctive character. the moslems conquered much of spain.
- Describes how small christian nuclei in northern spain resisted the moslem invaders from the beginning and grew into powerful christian kingdoms that pushed the infidel ever southward.
- Analyzes how the medieval stage were the monk and the warrior - the man who prayed and fought; the victory achieved after nearly 800 years of effort gave the spaniard a feeling of superiority, reinforced by medieval chroniclers.
- Explains that spain put ideological values ahead of purely material interests. rivers were more often used as moats behind which to fight raiders than as trade routes.
- Explains that landscapes often have a warlike appearance. when the catholic sovereigns ended the war of reconquest from the moslems, the reconquista, and stood at the moorish towers of the alhambra at granada, they again turned their eyes southward.
- Describes how the reconquista grew into the discovery, conquest and colonialization of the new world.
- Explains that spain felt he had a godly mission to carry out, and this was to make it possible for him to withstand bitter defeats in later years.
- Analyzes how cortes' counsel would have struck the flag that had let spain on a universal mission, but another ringing voice was heard.
- Opines that spain must purify itself, without stopping its expansion abroad, so that "the nations of this europe of ours may once again flourish."
- Explains that spain had shown a dynamic drive seldom paralleled in history, from the beginning of the internal restoration undertaken by fernando and isabel until the larval stage of 1588
- Opines that the fact that he rode on horseback through the lands of the new world placed him ahead even of renaissance ideas and filled him with a proud spirit of progress.
- Analyzes how the spaniards carried out the task of incorporating the new world into western civilization in an incredibly short time.
- Explains how the canary islands were a small-scale prelude for the venture into the new world, involving overseas action, clashing with primitive cultures, preaching of the gospel and creation of new castillas.
- Explains that europe entered a dynamic period of conquest and assimilation for which spain had shown the way. the hidalgos who fought under charles v in europe and under cortés in america were men of action.
- Analyzes how felipe ii replaced the books on chivalry with a new breed more inclined to discourse than to action. while the most valuable works of the spanish baroque, both in literature and in the arts, were crafted after the armada's defeat, the underlying internal unity became apparent.
- Explains that the deficiency of adequate organs to bring about the political union of the two former kingdoms of castilla and aragón was compounded by the catholic monarchy, in addition to the biological creation of an overseas spanish empire.
- Explains that castilla was a modern state by controlling the nobility, insuring the loyalty of the cortes, and establishing new institutions or reviving old ones, but they failed to persuade the crown of aragón to integrate its different customs and traditions.
- Explains that it is difficult to explain why aragón, which had displayed tremendous energies in the early middle ages, now flinched from the enterprises undertaken by the catholic sovereigns.
- Explains that the marriage of isabel to fernando resulted in a fierce castilian arrogance and cold indifference, born of deep resentment, on the part of the aragonese, catalans and valencians.
- Explains that castilla played a leading role in the supranational monarchy. it was convenient to embrace the policies of the dynastic habsburgs and bourbons.
- Explains that the sailors and merchants of genoa and antwerp were not allowed to sail to or trade with the new world for hundreds of years.
- Explains that castilla had such vitality that, even without the support of aragón, it was able to extend its supremacy over a large part of europe.
- Explains that spanish foreign policy underwent a marked shift under charles v in the early 16th century. other than spanish interests came into play.
- Explains that the new policies of the habsburgs meant the powerful old tericos would be used far away from their bases. the conquest of algiers would take second place to the defense of vienna.
- Analyzes how spain exhausted its soldiers and economy after the armada and rocroi disasters. spain was the object of a campaign by europe to make it more european.
- Explains that the country's primary need was the reconstruction of its social edifice.
- Describes the arduous task of reconciling modernism with tradition during the period of enlightened despots, when the nation's destinies were placed in diligent and intelligent hands, with remarkable results.
- Describes the consequences of the french revolution and of napoleon's ambitions. the french invasion of spain and the subsequent war of independence depleted the resources accumulated by good administrators in the 18th century.
- Analyzes how the treaty of westphalia ended spain's supremacy over europe, and the war of independence brought the pruning down to the trunk of the tree.
- Explains that there was no agreement of hoe to cure the country's ills. many spaniards looked back to the old political formulas, while others felt that the most urgent task was to bring spain up to date in accordance with the liberal systems adopted by western european countries
- Explains that the liberals wanted to cut spain's roots in the past, which led to pronunciamientos and civil wars. the spanish monarchy was shocked by the loss of cuba, puerto rico, and the philippines.
- Analyzes how spain's dilemma of reconciling the past with the present, as a prerequisite for facing the future with confidence, was to remain.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- argumentative
- At the start of 1474, Spain was a non-existent entity that was composed of a series of minor kingdoms within the Iberian Peninsula. However Spain was subject to a process of change that led to the unification of the Iberian Peninsula under one monarchy, which controlled the new world and large areas of Northern Europe. This process of change was stimulated by the revenue of the new world and to varying degrees by domestic and international politics. However the New world was not always the primary factor during this period that catalysed the increase and maintenance of power. Over this time period the revenue from the new world increased, and thus directly Spain’s dependence upon it did as well. Isabella and Ferdinand had no reliance on the new world, as it occurred in the later third of their reign, and as such was viewed more as an economic failure. Kilsby rightly argues that with hindsight, the discovery of the Americas was the “the greatest event since the creation of the world.” Kamen shows us that there was a shift in the new world’s importance, as the “Indian globe” controlled by Spain caused their power and Kamen justily argues that the colonies were the sheet anchor of Phillips Power. The necessity of the new world is entirely due to the funds that it provided that stimulated other factors that contributed to Spain’s growing power over the time period.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how spain was subject to a process of change that led to the unification of the iberian peninsula under one monarchy, which controlled the new world and large areas of northern europe.
- Argues that the discovery of the new world was a minute factor in the development of power during ferdinand and isabella's reign.
- Analyzes how the political changes that occurred during ferdinand and isabella's reign were the primary factor in their success in increasing castilian-aarogenese power.
- Analyzes how the inquisition gave spain's monarchy more control and power over the church.
- Explains that spain's foreign policy was the next important factor in change of power.
- Analyzes how pendrill shows the discovery of silver mines in south america from conquest missions in mexico and peru created a large source of income for charles to use maintaining authority of his lands.
- Analyzes how charles foreign policy had the largest effect on his power. he sustained a long war with france to protect his hapsburg inheritance.
- Analyzes how charles maintained a policy of unity of religion to maintain his power that he had inherited.
- Analyzes how charles political policy had minimal impact on spain's power. hunt argues charles used the system of councils his grandfather put in place to enforce royal authority, making spain effectively well governed in his absence.
- Analyzes how the new word was the most important factor in the expansion of spanish power during philip ii reign. kamen argues that the colonies were the sheet anchor of phillips power.
- Analyzes how philip's religious policies were the next biggest factor in shaping spain’s power during his reign.
- Explains that the new world was not the primary reason for the change in power seen during ferdinand and isabella's reign; politics were the main driving force in increasing their authority and power.
2015 wordsRead More - Compare And Contrast The Spanish And Ottoman Empiresanalytical essayThe Spanish and Ottoman Empires The Ottomans and Spanish built flourishing empires based on different philosophies from 1450 to 1800. The Ottoman and Spanish were two powerful empires during that time. During the building of the two empires, the Spanish and the Ottoman both developed similarities in their social, political, and economic structures. The Ottoman took control of Europe, while the Spanish saw it as easy to monitor new lands.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the spanish and ottoman empires developed similarities in their social, political, and economic structures. the spanish were not tolerant of religion and incorporated leaders of diverse cultures to govern their subjects.
- Explains how the ottoman empire used the millet system to create effective ruling in the multi-religious empire.
- Analyzes how the ottomans and spanish engaged in the slave trade and captured land with the aim of trading. the spanish captured slaves from african and took them to latin america to work on their farms.
- Explains that the spanish and ottoman governments differed on the aspect of religion. the government identified religion as a unifying factor that would make it easy for the rulers to administer policies and govern their subordinates efficiently.
- Explains that sharia laws were viewed as parameters through which the rulers could establish policies and policies. the catholic church had too much control of the government.
- Explains that the spanish and the ottoman empires used different growth strategies to grow economically, socially, and politically, but religion was critical to their growth.
903 wordsRead More - Spain’s Golden Age and the Reign of Philip IIexplanatory essaySpain’s Golden Age and the Reign of Philip II A ‘golden age’ can be interpreted in many ways; it can be a time of great power for a monarch, or a country. It can be described as a time when some activity is at its peak, or as a period of great peace, prosperity and happiness. I will look at the period 1474 – 1598 to see if any of the monarchs’ reigns meet any of these interpretations of a ‘golden age’. The kingdom of Aragon had its own Cortes, which limited Ferdinand’s power as he was subject to the fueros[1]. In Castile however, the Cortes were relatively powerless; not necessary to pass laws and had little interest in taxation.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a 'golden age' can be interpreted in many ways, such as the peak of activity, or the period of great peace, prosperity, and happiness.
- Explains that the kingdom of aragon had its own cortes, which limited ferdinand’s power as he was subject to the fueros.
- Explains that the town councils became too large and the ‘corregidors’ were disliked and were withdrawn in some cities. the royal council did not increase much in ferdinand and isabella’s reign, as they dealt with matters in person and didn’t delegate to officials
- Explains that ferdinand and isabella travelled most of their life, so the administration was wherever they were. charles i of spain had many problems even before he arrived in spain.
- Explains that charles made reforms in the administration of spain; a new council of state was set-up in 1522, and others soon followed, giving the impression of centralisation.
- Explains that charles was the source of all power, and the councils only offered advice to him. the administration did not change much, as efficiency was only improved because of financial needs. philip ii had many advisors, but he made the final decisions.
- Explains that philip built a castle in madrid, where he lived, and this meant that the administration was stationary, not like with his father and ferdinand and isabella.
- Opines that the administration of spain did not contribute to any of the monarch’s reigns being a ‘golden age’.
- Opines that foreign policy may contribute to a monarch's reign being 'golden age' as increase in land would mean more prestige and more power.
- Describes how the monarchs gained a huge overseas empire through expeditions, made by christopher columbus, sponsored by isabella.
- Explains that america had ports along the north african coast, sicily, sardinia, and southern italy. ferdinand and isabella used their children for their foreign policy.
- Explains that charles i had a huge empire, inherited the spanish lands, and fought in wars with france.
- Explains that charles' foreign policy was not very successful, and future rulers suffered from these events.
- Explains that philip had problems with the dutch, they wanted their independence, and were revolting throughout his reign. he saw war against infidels as a crucial part of his god-given duty.
- Explains how philip persuaded the turks to never fight spain again in the western mediterranean. spain's war against england was a failure.
- Explains that ferdinand and isabella's reign was the only one that could be considered a 'golden age', due to foreign policy. they gained lands and used marriage alliances to improve relations between spain and rival countries.
- Explains that ferdinand and isabella brought about prosperity in their reign. they received their income from many places; taxation, loans, and the church gave them the cruzada.
- Explains that the annual income of maravedis from powerful aristocracy had more than doubled from 150 million to 320 million. ferdinand and isabella introduced new taxes and ensured the existing ones were collected efficiently.
- Explains that royal finances were stable, and had enough income to run the government during peacetime. charles' finances, however, were poor.
- Explains how charles loaned excessively from foreign bankers to meet his demands. in 1534, charles introduced the encabezamiento, which brought in about 70 percent of the castilian revenue.
- Explains that charles' reign had some prosperity, as the population was increasing, but the new world's income was rising, from 65,000 ducats a year in 1536 to 175,000
- Explains that the papacy added to the revenue with the excusado and in 1560 the new world gave 90,000 ducats a year and that tripled by 1590s. philip introduced millones and sold noble titles and government offices.
- Explains that philip had to declare bankruptcy four times; he had inherited large debts from charles which meant a large part of the annual income was spent paying them off.
- Opines that ferdinand and isabella's reign could be considered a 'golden age' because they made beneficial changes in finance, not only initiating new taxes but also building el escorial.
- Explains that at the beginning of ferdinand and isabella's reign, the spanish church only owed allegiance to the pope in rome. however, when conquering granada, ferdinand claimed he was doing it to ‘expel from all spain the enemies of the catholic faith.
- Explains that the reconquest by the church, as they were spreading roman catholicism, made them more loyal to the crown. this meant the two most powerful groups; church and nobles were supporting the crown.
- Explains that the pope granted them complete control over the church in granada and introduced the spanish inquisition which dealt with moriscos and conversos.
- Explains that charles' religion did not change much throughout his reign and charles got on reasonably well with the popes. philip devoted more time to religion, as he was a devout roman catholic.
- Explains that philip used the inquisition as an instrument of repression, which involved prosecution by torture and burnings. modern historians have found that this was not the case.
- Explains that ferdinand and isabella's reign could be described as a ‘golden age’, as they made great changes in religion.
- Explains that philip ii made changes in religion, including improving the life of clergyman, and reforming the church to make it less corrupt, but his reign could not be described as a ‘golden age’.
- Explains that philip ii's reign was a ‘golden age’ in some areas, the people loved him, and he eliminated heresy in spain. all the monarchs in the period 1474 – 1598 experienced this.
- Opines that spain's 'golden age' does not apply more specifically to philip ii’s reign, as it was not a ‘golden age’ in other ways.
- Explains that spain was a 'golden age', as they were at peace, eradicated heresy and internal enemies, and their finances were reasonably balanced.
1911 wordsRead More - 1521: The Spanish Conquest Of New Spainexplanatory essayThe founding of New Spain in 1521 was the result of the conquest over the Mexica emperor Moctezuma by Hernan Cortes who was a Spanish conqueror. This conquest had lead many artists and writers to capture moments from this period that they believed were important. The indigenous people of Mexica had many Codex’s’, which were books where they recorded important events that happened each year through words and images. The Codex Aubin showcased a simple but meaningful image from around 1576-1608 called “Twin Temple at Tenochtitlan” representing the starting point of events leading up to the conquest of their land. The Spaniards also recorded what they believed was important much later in time through paintings on panel by New Spanish artists Migual
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the founding of new spain was the result of the conquest over the mexica emperor moctezuma by hernan cortes who was a spanish conqueror.
173 wordsRead More - Many people have heard of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. However, only some know of all the things they accomplished. They might be best known for funding the voyages of Christopher Columbus, but they also greatly contributed to the unity of Spain (“Isabella l”). Together, they brought many kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula together to form what Spain is today. Through Spain’s unification, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella strengthened Spain into an economic and dominant world power, enabling the spread of Christianity and the colonization of a New World.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that king ferdinand and queen isabella of spain funded christopher columbus' voyages, but they also contributed to spain's unity, enabling the spread of christianity and colonization.
- Analyzes how isabella concocted a plan that would progress her ambition. she proposed to ferdinand that they marry, which would unify castile and aragon, and kick-start the unification of spain
- Explains that isabella wanted to boost her control over spain by establishing the spanish inquisition, which abolished heresy and made spain a christian nation.
- Explains how the moors tried to deal with the inquisition by preaching to the people and not forcing them to convert to catholicism. they fought back against ferdinand and isabella.
- Explains that granada was the last moorish stronghold in spain. ferdinand refused to surrender the city and declared war on them.
- Explains that spain began to rule with the idea of nationalism, aggressive with their idea that their nation should be strictly catholic. many jews, as well as the moors, suffered great persecution during this time.
- Explains the oppression that the jews experienced during the inquisition was definitely severe. they were forced to wear red badges that let everyone know their heritage.
- Explains that isabella wanted spain to be a christian nation. the official reason was that the jews influenced the christians.
- Explains that the inquisition was strict on disobeying laws. if someone was accused of heresy, they were sentenced to prison or released. ferdinand and isabella received complaints of unfair imprisonment, torture, and the taking of the
- Explains that christopher columbus wanted to sail to india to find a shorter route. when granada was taken control of, isabella and ferdinand realized that columbus' proposal would be beneficial to their kingdom.
- Explains that ferdinand and isabella knew they needed new sources of funding to bolster spain. they turned to the pope and he gave them rights to build the catholic church in areas where the moors had been driven from.
- Explains that columbus started out on his first voyage in the middle of 1492. it turned out to be a great success and won spain many places in south america.
- Explains that columbus conquered more of the americas and established more colonies. he received a high status when he returned to spain.
- Explains that many parts of the world took notice of columbus and the success of his expeditions. they started sending people west to try to establish colonies of their own and gain more land.
- Explains how columbus' discovery of gold and silver in south america furthered the european economy. the new world also altered the art and culture of europe.
- Analyzes how columbus believed that the indigenous people of the new world were meant for one reason: to be slaves to the europeans.
- Analyzes how columbus ended up enslaving around a thousand natives and sold them as slaves to europeans who inhabited the land there.
- Opines that isabella disagreed with columbus. she promised death to anyone who enslaved the people of the new world. many of her advisors believed the same thing.
- Analyzes how isabella's analytical side thought that enslaving the people of the new world would help her expand her empire.
- Explains that ferdinand and isabella altered the course of history when they came into power. they drove the moors and the jews out of spain, which meant that christianity spread further into the new world.
- Analyzes how spain's effect on the natives of the new world contributed to the world. columbus and other explorers would have treated them as equals.
- Explains that isabella and ferdinand expanded the spanish empire by funding explorers and united several kingdoms to make the country that spain is today, geographically and economically.
1516 wordsRead More - The Conquest of New Spainanalytical essayThe Conquest of New Spain Cortés came not to the New World to conquer by force, but by manipulation. Bernal Díaz del Castillo, in the "Conquest of New Spain," describes how Cortés and his soldiers manipulated the Aztec people and their king Montezuma from the time they traveled from Iztapalaopa to the time when Montezuma took Cortés to the top of the great Cue and showed him the whole of Mexico and its countryside, and the three causeways which led into Mexico. Castillo's purpose for recording the mission was to keep an account of the wealth of Montezuma and Mexico, the traditions, and the economic potential that could benefit Cortés' upcoming conquest. However, through these recordings, we are able to see and understand Cortés' strategy in making Mexico "New Spain.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how bernal daz del castillo, in the "conquest of new spain," describes how cortés and his soldiers manipulated the aztec people and their king montezuma.
- Analyzes how cortés and his men spend their time at montezuma's palaces.
- Explains that cortés must manipulate the hierarchal traditions of the aztec people to gain control of new spain.
- Analyzes how castillo manipulates montezuma so that he could leave the palace. he documents the buying and selling of slaves and the aztecs' engineering and architecture.
- Analyzes how castillo symbolically describes the events at the great cue. montezuma sent priests to help cortés ascend the 114 stairs to the top but he wouldn't allow them to come near him.
904 wordsRead More - The Black Legend and its Negative Impact on the Image of Spainanalytical essayThe Black Legend in Spain William of Orange once stated, “Spain committed such horrible excesses that all the barbarities, cruelties, and tyrannies ever perpetrated before are only games in comparison to what happened to the poor Indians.” This statement is an example of an attempt to discredit the Spanish. Attempts such as these are known as the Black Legend. The Black Legend was the name given to the concept of cruelty and brutality spread by the Spanish during the 14th and 15th century. This legend demonizes Spain and specifically the Spanish empire in an effort to harm the reputation of them.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the black legend demonized spain and specifically the spanish empire in an effort to harm their reputation.
- Describes keen, benjamin, the black legend revisited: assumptions and realities. the hispanic american historical review.
- Analyzes how the black legend was promoted by spain's enemies to propagate a dark vision of spain.
- Describes the black legend in encyclopdia britannica.
1265 wordsRead More - The importance of women in early Spanish societyargumentative essayAccording to Gregory Rodriguez, in his book “Mongrels, Bastards, Orphans, and Vagabonds,” women played an integral part of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Women were important in the Spanish conquest of Mexico because many were given as gifts to establish political relationships, they were used to help convert the natives to Christianity, and through intermarriage, a new peoples emerged.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that women played an integral part in the spanish conquest of mexico. they were given as gifts to establish political relationships, convert natives to christianity, and intermarriage, a new people emerged.
- Explains that the spanish sought after the native indian women, and the caciques offered them as gifts to hernán cortés.
- Describes how cortés gave malinali to alonso hernández puertocarreero after a bloody battle. doa marina spoke nahuatal, mayan, and spanish.
- Explains that cortés mandated that the women be baptized catholic before they would be given to his soldiers. he would always take time to preach to the caciques as he established alliances with the cempolans.
- Analyzes how he told the caciques that before accepting the ladies and becoming their brothers, they would have to abandon their idols and sacrifice no more souls to them.
- Explains that the spanish were put off by the way the indians sacrificed people to their gods. cortés had fifty men smash all their statues and whitewash their temples as well as place the virgin mary inside.
- Explains that the colonial racial system was hierarchical in nature with pure spanish blood at the peak.
- Concludes that if not for early indian women, mexico's population, and religion would be entirely different.
895 wordsRead More - The Unification of Spain: King Ferdinand and Queen Isabellaanalytical essayQueen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon were one of the most famous married couples in history. Isabella was beautiful. “She had blue eyes and chestnut hair.” “She was just striking” (Isaacs). By the time she was 18, she wore beautiful gowns and jewels. “She wore them throughout her life” (Isaacs). Ferdinand and Isabella ruled Spain in a joint ruling, converted Muslims to Christianity, sponsored Christopher Columbus’s journey to a New World, had a family and Isabella even had time for education. Isabella and Ferdinand were devout Catholics that pushed and strived for Christianity in Spain. Despite their extreme measure to push for Christianity, their time in reign was the Golden Age of Spain.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that isabella of castile and ferdinand of aragon were one of the most famous married couples in history.
- Explains that isabella was the daughter of king john ii of castile. she married ferdinand in 1452, but henry iv withdrew his support and juana took the throne.
- Explains that the spanish inquisition was a powerful and brutal force of homogenization in spanish society.
- Explains that isabella and ferdinand had five children, isabel, john, joanna, maria, and catherine (isaacs). their grandson passed, leading them to believe their heir to the throne had passed.
- Explains that isabella's important aspect was education. she became proficient in latin at 35, encouraged scholars at her court to set up palace schools, and took an interest in the native americans of the new lands.
- Analyzes how isabella and ferdinand's reign was a golden age for spain. they ruled most of the modern day land that made up spain and were well on its way to becoming europe.
- Explains that ferdinand spent much of the previous decade fighting the french in italy. his final conquest was an invasion of navarre.
- Analyzes how isabella and ferdinand were motivated by political and religious arguments and sacrificed every other practical consideration. the letters between the king and the queen show that they acted in impeccable agreement.
- Explains that isabella and ferdinand were a powerful king and queen. their joint ruling of castile and aragon, sponsoring christopher columbus as he sailed to find new land, and the spanish inquisition were key aspects in unifying spain.
- Cites bard, mitchell g., “ferdinand & isabella.” jewishvirtuallibrary.org. american-israeli cooperative enterprise.
987 wordsRead More - Spaniards Vs. English Colonizationargumentative essayLooking back into history, at around the 1500s to the 1600s, people were very much the same in the sense that many countries were looking to aggrandize their economy and appear the greatest. It was this pride and thinking that motivated many of the superpowers of the world’s past. Two such monarchies in the European continent included England and Spain, which had at the time, the best fleets the world has ever seen. Because both were often striving to be the best, they conflicted with one another. Although England and Spain had their differences, they both had a thirst to see new things and it was this hunger that led them both to discovering different parts of the “New World” and thus, colonizing the Americas.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how pride and thinking motivated many of the superpowers in the world's past, such as england and spain, which had the best fleets.
- Explains that the spaniards arrived at the americas prior to the english. they wanted to explore because the population increased and strong monarchs wanted more affluence.
- Compares the colonial system of spain with that of the british. the spanish were protective against piracy, but the english produced commercial products that would sustain their economy long after the gold and silver ran out.
- Explains that england followed mercantilism, which supported colonialism because the motto was to export a little and to gain lots.
- Compares how the english colonized north america with spain, and how jamestown became the first permanent settlement in the new world.
- Analyzes how the economy driven expeditions of the english and the spanish altered the world. both were done to secure a better productive commercial future but also because they viewed the natives as inhuman beings.
1358 wordsRead More