17th Century Spain

Seventeenth-century Spain was a period of both grandeur and struggle. It was a time when Spain was a dominant global empire, wealth from its colonies fueled art, architecture, and military power. However, internal issues like economic decline, political corruption, and military conflicts gradually weakened the kingdom. The era saw the decline of Spain’s golden age of art and literature, with figures like Velázquez and Cervantes flourishing. Socially, it was marked by rigid class structures and religious influence. Overall, this century was a complex mix of cultural achievement and internal challenges, setting the stage for major changes in Spain’s future.