Spanish Texas

Painting of Charles V next to a globe, a child, and symbols of kings — Peter Paul Rubens, Allegory of Charles V as Ruler of the World (Copy after Francesco Mazzola, called Parmigianino (1503–1540), “Allegory of Charles V as Ruler of the World,” 1530), c 1604. Oil/canvas, 166.5 x 141 cm. Residenzgalerie Salzburg, Inv.-Nr. 303 © Residenzgalerie Salzburg, Illustration Fotostudio Ulrich Ghezzi Oberalm

The Spanish Empire

The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492 marked the beginning of the Golden Age of Spain. In the centuries that followed, the Spanish Empire grew into one of the largest in history, with settlements on nearly every continent. The purpose and methods of establishing Spanish footholds varied by region and over time, but they also shared many similarities. In this lesson, students will infer the purpose and means of Spain’s expansion from primary documents written by monarchs, conquistadores, clerics, and others as they chronicle the rise and fall of the Spanish Empire.