The Spanish Empire

The Spanish Empire was one of the largest empires in history, spanning from the late 15th century to the early 19th century. It began with Christopher Columbus's voyages, leading to Spain’s colonization of vast territories in the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The empire was known for its rich resources, especially silver from mines in Mexico and Peru, and its role in spreading the Spanish language and Catholicism. However, it also faced challenges like conflicts, economic problems, and independence movements, leading to its decline and the eventual loss of most of its territories by the 1900s.