Comparing Timelines
Exploring the overlapping histories of "Renaissance" and "Spanish Empire".
Renaissance
1250 - 1650
Spanish Empire
1402 - 1976
1250 CE
Beginning of Italian Proto-Renaissance
The Italian Proto-Renaissance begins around 1250-1300, marking the earliest phase of the Renaissance movement. This period saw the emergence of new artistic and intellectual approaches that would later flourish into the full Renaissance. It represents the transition from medieval to early modern European culture.
1265 CE
Dante Alighieri's Literary Contributions
Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) produces his major works, including the Divine Comedy, which exemplify the early Renaissance spirit. His writings represent some of the first traces of Renaissance ideas in Italy, combining classical influences with vernacular language. Dante's work is considered foundational to Renaissance literature and thought.
1267 CE
Giotto's Revolutionary Paintings
Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337) creates groundbreaking paintings that mark a departure from medieval artistic conventions. He is credited with first treating a painting as a window into space, developing early techniques of realistic representation. His work represents a crucial step toward Renaissance artistic realism.
1304 CE
Petrarch's Humanist Influence
Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) develops humanist ideas and literary works that become foundational to Renaissance thought. He is credited by contemporaries with the 14th-century resurgence of learning based on classical sources. Petrarch's work in recovering ancient texts and promoting classical learning helps establish Renaissance humanism.
1330 CE
Petrarch Defines Historical Periods
In the 1330s, Petrarch refers to pre-Christian times as 'antiqua' (ancient) and to the Christian period as 'nova' (new), establishing an early framework for historical periodization. This conceptual division would later influence how Renaissance thinkers viewed their relationship to classical antiquity and the medieval period.
1338 CE
Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Political Frescoes
Ambrogio Lorenzetti paints 'The Allegory of Good and Bad Government' (1338-1340), an early Renaissance fresco cycle with strong messages about virtues of fairness, justice, republicanism and good administration. This work represents the emergence of political philosophy in Renaissance art and the anti-monarchical thinking of Italian city-republics.
1348 CE
Black Death Devastates Europe
The Black Death pandemic hits Europe between 1348 and 1350, causing massive social and economic upheaval. In Florence, the population is nearly halved in 1348. The plague's devastation leads to significant social changes, including increased value of the working class and greater social mobility, which some theorize contributed to Renaissance developments.
1396 CE
Manuel Chrysoloras Teaches Greek in Florence
Byzantine diplomat and scholar Manuel Chrysoloras (c. 1355-1415) is invited by Coluccio Salutati to teach Greek in Florence in 1396. This marks the beginning of the systematic reintegration of Greek literary, historical, and theological texts into Western European curriculum, a crucial development in Renaissance humanism.
1401 CE
Competition for Florence Cathedral Doors
Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi compete for the contract to build the bronze doors for the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral in 1401, with Ghiberti winning. This competition is sometimes cited as a precise starting point for the Renaissance, representing the rivalry and creativity that sparked Renaissance artistic innovation.
1402 CE
Beginning of Canary Islands Conquest
Norman nobleman Jean de Béthencourt began the conquest of the Canary Islands under a feudal agreement with the Crown of Castile during the reign of Henry III. This marked the beginning of Spanish overseas expansion and would serve as a model for later colonial conquests.
1421 CE
Brunelleschi's Old Sacristy
Filippo Brunelleschi completes the Old Sacristy (1421-1440), one of the first buildings to use pilasters as an integrated system in Renaissance architecture. This work demonstrates the Renaissance architectural style that emulated and improved on classical forms, marking a significant development in architectural design.
1430 CE
Palmieri's Plague Dialogues
During the plague of 1430, Matteo Palmieri composes dialogues set in a country house in the Mugello countryside outside Florence. These works explore humanist ideals about civic life, child development, moral conduct, and the qualities of the ideal citizen, representing the development of Renaissance civic humanism.
1440 CE
Invention of the Printing Press
The printing press is invented around 1440, revolutionizing the dissemination of ideas and knowledge. This technological innovation democratizes learning and allows faster propagation of Renaissance ideas across Europe. The printing press becomes crucial to the spread of humanist texts and scientific knowledge.
1442 CE
Leonardo Bruni's Historical Periodization
Leonardo Bruni completes his 'History of the Florentine People' in 1442, becoming the first to use tripartite periodization. He divides history into three periods based on Petrarch's framework but adds a third period, believing Italy was no longer in decline. This establishes a new way of understanding historical periods.
1450 CE
Nicholas of Cusa's Infinite Universe
Writing around 1450, Nicholas of Cusa claims that the universe must be infinite in extent and therefore devoid of a center. This represents an early challenge to traditional Aristotelian and Ptolemaic views of the universe, contributing to the scientific developments that would characterize the Renaissance.
1453 CE
Fall of Constantinople
Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, generating a wave of émigré Greek scholars bringing precious manuscripts in ancient Greek to Western Europe. Many of these texts had fallen into obscurity in the West, and their arrival significantly enriches Renaissance scholarship and contributes to the Greek phase of Renaissance humanism.
1465 CE
Palmieri's Poetic Work
Matteo Palmieri completes his poetic work 'La città di vita' in 1465, which provides perhaps the most succinct expression of his perspective on humanism. This work, along with his earlier 'Della vita civile', helps define Renaissance civic humanism and the ideal of the educated citizen.
1469 CE
First Use of 'Middle Ages' Term
The term 'Middle Ages' first appears in Latin in 1469 as 'media tempestas' (middle times). This represents the Renaissance intellectual framework of viewing history in periods, with humanist historians arguing that contemporary scholarship restored direct links to the classical period, bypassing the medieval period.
1471 CE
Portuguese Discovery of Gold Coast
Portugal discovered the Gold Coast in the Gulf of Guinea, sparking a massive gold rush. This discovery intensified competition between Portugal and Castile for African territories and trade routes, leading to conflicts over lucrative commerce.
1472 CE
András Hess Establishes Printing in Buda
András Hess sets up a printing press in Buda in 1472, bringing printing technology to Hungary. This development helps spread Renaissance ideas and humanist texts in Central Europe, contributing to the Hungarian Renaissance and the broader dissemination of Renaissance culture beyond Italy.
1475 CE
War of Castilian Succession Begins
The War of the Castilian Succession provided the Catholic Monarchs with an opportunity to attack Portuguese power and take control of the lucrative Guinea trade. This conflict would reshape Iberian colonial ambitions and territorial divisions.
1476 CE
King Matthias Marries Beatrice of Naples
King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary marries Beatrice of Naples in 1476, making Buda one of the most important artistic centers of the Renaissance north of the Alps. This marriage brings Italian Renaissance culture directly to Hungary and establishes strong cultural connections between Hungary and Italy.
1479 CE
Matthias Begins Major Building Projects
King Matthias Corvinus starts major building projects in Buda and Visegrád around 1479, rebuilding the palace at Visegrád in Renaissance style and adding new wings to the royal castle of Buda. He appoints Italian Chimenti Camicia and Dalmatian Giovanni Dalmata to direct these projects, bringing Renaissance architecture to Hungary.
Marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella
The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile created a personal union that most scholars view as the foundation of the Spanish monarchy. This dynastic alliance unified the economic and military power of Iberia under the House of Trastámara.
Treaty of Alcáçovas
This treaty ended the War of Castilian Succession and established Portuguese dominance over African territories while securing Castilian control of the Canary Islands. It represented a major diplomatic victory for Portugal and forced Spain to seek alternative routes to Asia.
1485 CE
Leonardo da Vinci Visits Hungary
In spring 1485, Leonardo da Vinci travels to Hungary on behalf of Sforza to meet King Matthias Corvinus and is commissioned by him to paint a Madonna. This visit represents the international reach of Renaissance artistic patronage and the cultural connections between Italian artists and European courts.
1486 CE
Pico della Mirandola's Oration
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola writes 'De hominis dignitate' (Oration on the Dignity of Man) in 1486, a series of theses on philosophy, natural thought, faith, and magic. This work, often called the 'Manifesto of the Renaissance,' provides a vibrant defense of thinking and represents a crucial contribution to Renaissance humanism.
1489 CE
Bartolomeo della Fonte Praises Corvinus Library
In 1489, Bartolomeo della Fonte of Florence writes that Lorenzo de' Medici founded his own Greek-Latin library encouraged by the example of Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus. The Bibliotheca Corviniana was Europe's greatest collection of secular books and second only to the Vatican Library in size.
1492 CE
Columbus Discovers the Americas
Christopher Columbus sails across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain in 1492, seeking a direct route to India but accidentally discovering the Americas. This discovery has a profound impact on European intellectual life, challenging classical worldviews and contributing to the Scientific Revolution by disproving central claims about the world.
Conquest of Granada Completed
Ferdinand and Isabella defeated the last Muslim king and completed the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula after a ten-year war. This victory earned them the title of Catholic Monarchs from Pope Alexander VI and freed resources for overseas expansion.
Capitulations of Santa Fe
Christopher Columbus obtained his appointment as viceroy and governor of lands he might discover from the Catholic Monarchs. This document established the first administrative organization in the Indies and set the legal framework for Spanish colonization.
Columbus's First Voyage
Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of Spanish colonization and the European Age of Discovery. This voyage fundamentally changed world history by connecting the Old and New Worlds permanently.
1493 CE
Inter Caetera Papal Bull
Pope Alexander VI issued the Inter caetera papal bull, which solidified Spain's claim to the newly discovered lands in the Americas. This papal decree provided religious and legal justification for Spanish colonization efforts.
1494 CE
Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal divided the world into two spheres of influence, with Spain receiving exclusive rights to establish colonies in most of the New World. This treaty fundamentally shaped global colonization patterns and territorial claims.
1495 CE
Italian Renaissance Arrives in France
The Italian Renaissance arrives in France in 1495, imported by King Charles VIII after his invasion of Italy. This marks the beginning of the French Renaissance, as Italian art, artists, and cultural ideas begin to influence French court culture and artistic production.
Luca Pacioli Publishes First Accounting Work
At the end of the 15th century, Luca Pacioli publishes the first work on bookkeeping, making him the founder of accounting. This represents the application of Renaissance innovation to commerce and the development of modern business practices that would support the growing merchant economy.
1496 CE
Foundation of Santo Domingo
Bartholomew Columbus founded Santo Domingo, which became the first permanent European city in the Americas. This stone-built city served as the administrative center for Spanish colonial operations and the model for future colonial settlements.
1497 CE
Conquest of Melilla
Spain conquered Melilla in North Africa, marking the beginning of Spanish expansion into Muslim territories outside the Iberian Peninsula. This conquest established Spain's presence in North Africa and demonstrated its military capabilities.
1505 CE
John I Albert's Renaissance Tomb
The tomb of John I Albert, completed in 1505 by Francesco Fiorentino, becomes the first example of a Renaissance composition in Poland. This marks the beginning of Renaissance artistic influence in Poland and the introduction of Italian Renaissance styles to Central European art and architecture.
1508 CE
Juan Ponce de León Conquers Puerto Rico
Juan Ponce de León conquered Puerto Rico, expanding Spanish control in the Caribbean. This conquest provided Spain with another strategic base for further expansion and demonstrated the effectiveness of Spanish military tactics in the New World.
1510 CE
Foundation of Santa María la Antigua del Darién
Vasco Núñez de Balboa established the first permanent settlement on the American mainland in present-day Panama. This settlement served as a crucial base for further exploration and the eventual discovery of the Pacific Ocean.
1513 CE
Balboa Discovers the Pacific Ocean
Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the American coast. He claimed the Pacific and all adjoining lands for the Spanish Crown, vastly expanding Spanish territorial claims.
1516 CE
Charles I Becomes King of Spain
Charles I inherited the Spanish throne, beginning Habsburg rule in Spain. As the grandson of the Catholic Monarchs, he brought together the Castilian empire in the Americas with Habsburg possessions in Europe, creating a vast global empire.
1517 CE
Luther's Ninety-Five Theses
In October 1517, Martin Luther publishes the Ninety-Five Theses, challenging papal authority and criticizing perceived corruption, particularly regarding sold indulgences. This leads to the Reformation, a break with the Roman Catholic Church, demonstrating how Renaissance humanism and textual criticism contributed to religious reform movements.
1518 CE
Bona Sforza Marries Sigismund I
Bona Sforza of Milan marries King Sigismund I of Poland in 1518, bringing many Italian artists to Poland. This marriage significantly strengthens the Polish Renaissance by introducing Italian artistic and cultural influences directly to the Polish court and establishing stronger cultural ties between Poland and Italy.
1519 CE
Magellan-Elcano Circumnavigation
Between 1519 and 1522, the Magellan-Elcano expedition achieves the first circumnavigation of Earth in history, including the first crossing of the Pacific by a European expedition. This voyage reveals the vast scale of the Pacific Ocean and dramatically expands European geographical knowledge during the Renaissance period of exploration.
Château de Chambord Construction Begins
Construction begins on Château de Chambord (1519-1547), one of the most famous examples of Renaissance architecture in France. This project represents the French adoption and adaptation of Italian Renaissance architectural styles, demonstrating how Renaissance culture spread and evolved across different European regions.
Cortés Begins Conquest of Mexico
Hernán Cortés organized an expedition of 550 conquistadors and sailed for Mexico, defying the governor of Hispaniola. This unauthorized expedition would lead to the conquest of the Aztec Empire and establish Spanish dominance in Mesoamerica.
Battle of Potonchán
Cortés's forces defeated a 10,000-strong Chontal Mayan army at Potonchán, demonstrating Spanish military superiority and opening the path to the Aztec Empire. This victory established Spanish dominance over indigenous forces in Mexico.
Spanish Victory over Tlaxcalans
360 Castilians and 2,300 Totonac allies defeated a 20,000-strong Tlaxcalan army, leading to thousands of Tlaxcalans joining the Spanish against the Aztecs. This alliance was crucial for the eventual conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Spanish Enter Tenochtitlan
Cortés's forces entered Emperor Moctezuma II's capital city of Tenochtitlan, marking a crucial moment in the conquest of the Aztec Empire. This peaceful entry would soon turn into violent conflict and siege warfare.
1520 CE
Battle of Cempoala
Cortés defeated Pánfilo de Narváez's force sent to punish him for his unauthorized invasion of Mexico. This victory eliminated Spanish opposition to Cortés's conquest and reinforced his forces with Narváez's surviving troops.
La Noche Triste
The Spanish were driven out of Tenochtitlan during La Noche Triste, suffering heavy losses and losing all their gold and guns. This defeat demonstrated Aztec military capability and forced the Spanish to regroup for a prolonged siege.
Battle of Otumba
The Spanish and their allies, without artillery or arquebusiers, repelled 100,000 Aztecs at Otumba. This remarkable victory allowed the Spanish to escape and regroup, demonstrating their tactical superiority despite being outnumbered.
1521 CE
Fall of Tenochtitlan
After a prolonged siege, Tenochtitlan fell to Spanish forces and Cuauhtémoc was captured. At least 100,000 Aztecs died during the siege, marking the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.
1523 CE
Alvarado Begins Central American Conquest
Pedro de Alvarado commenced the conquest of northern Central America following the fall of the Aztec Empire. This expansion extended Spanish control throughout Mesoamerica and established the foundation for colonial administration in the region.
1527 CE
Sack of Rome Ends Italian Renaissance
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V launches an assault on Rome in 1527 during the War of the League of Cognac, effectively concluding the Italian Renaissance. Despite this political catastrophe, the Renaissance's artistic impact endures in the work of Italian painters like Tintoretto, Sofonisba Anguissola, and Paolo Veronese.
1528 CE
Palmieri's Civic Life Published
Matteo Palmieri's work 'Della vita civile' (On Civic Life) is printed in 1528, advocating civic humanism and refining the Tuscan vernacular to the same level as Latin. This publication represents the maturation of Renaissance civic philosophy and the elevation of vernacular languages in scholarly discourse.
1532 CE
Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire
Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire by capturing its leader Atahualpa during a surprise attack in Cajamarca, resulting in the massacre of thousands of Incas. This conquest opened vast territories in South America to Spanish colonization.
1533 CE
Catherine de' Medici Marries Henry II
Fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), born in Florence, marries Henry II of France in 1533. Though later famous for her role in the French Wars of Religion, she makes a direct contribution in bringing arts, sciences, and music (including the origins of ballet) to the French court from her native Florence.
1534 CE
Pope Paul III's Reign Begins
Pope Paul III comes to the papal throne (1534-1549) after the sack of Rome in 1527, with uncertainties prevalent in the Catholic Church following the Reformation. His papacy represents the Church's response to Renaissance and Reformation challenges, including patronage of Renaissance art and the Counter-Reformation.
1535 CE
Establishment of Viceroyalty of New Spain
The Viceroyalty of New Spain was established to govern Spanish territories in North America and the Caribbean. This administrative reorganization centralized colonial government and established the framework for Spanish rule in the Americas.
1542 CE
Establishment of Viceroyalty of Peru
The Viceroyalty of Peru was established to govern Spanish territories in western South America, including present-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and parts of Chile and Argentina. This created the administrative structure for Spanish rule in South America.
1543 CE
Copernicus Publishes Heliocentric Theory
Nicolaus Copernicus publishes 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), positing that the Earth moves around the Sun. This work, dedicated to Pope Paul III, represents a fundamental challenge to traditional cosmology and marks a crucial development in the Scientific Revolution.
Vesalius Publishes Anatomical Work
Andreas Vesalius publishes 'De humani corporis fabrica' (On the Workings of the Human Body), giving new confidence to the role of dissection, observation, and the mechanistic view of anatomy. This work represents the Renaissance emphasis on direct observation and empirical study in medicine and natural science.
1544 CE
Königsberg Academy Founded
The Academy at Königsberg is founded in 1544, representing the expansion of higher education institutions during the Renaissance. This is one of three new academies established in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, along with Vilnius (1579) and Zamość (1594), contributing to the educational reforms of the period.
1545 CE
Discovery of Potosí Silver Mines
The rich silver mines of Potosí in Bolivia were discovered, becoming one of the most important sources of wealth for the Spanish Empire. These mines would produce vast quantities of silver that financed Spanish military campaigns and territorial expansion.
1546 CE
Farnese Hours Completed
Giulio Clovio completes the Farnese Hours in 1546, arguably the last major illuminated manuscript and a masterpiece that marks the end of the Italian Renaissance of illuminated manuscripts. This work represents the culmination of Renaissance manuscript art before the dominance of printed books.
1550 CE
Vasari's Lives of the Artists
Giorgio Vasari publishes 'Lives of the Artists' in 1550 (revised 1568), first using the term 'rinascita' (rebirth) in its broad sense. Vasari divides the Renaissance into three phases and establishes the framework for understanding Renaissance art history, making this work foundational to Renaissance historiography.
1556 CE
Philip II Becomes King of Spain
Philip II inherited the Spanish throne from his father Charles V, ruling over one of the first truly global empires. His reign would see the height of Spanish power and the colonization of the Philippines, making Spain a dominant world power.
1559 CE
Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis
Philip II reaffirmed Spanish control over the Kingdom of Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Duchy of Milan through this treaty. This agreement solidified Spanish dominance in Italy and established it as the core of Spanish power in Europe.
1565 CE
Spanish Colonization of Philippines Begins
Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the Philippines, beginning Spanish colonization of the archipelago. This expansion made Philip II ruler of one of the first true globe-spanning empires, connecting Asia to the Spanish colonial system.
1577 CE
Drake's Circumnavigation
Between 1577 and 1580, Drake's Raiding Expedition achieves the second circumnavigation of Earth, carried out in a single expedition. Drake becomes the first to complete a circumnavigation as captain while leading the expedition throughout the entire voyage, demonstrating English maritime capabilities during the Renaissance.
1579 CE
Vilnius Academy Founded
The Academy at Vilnius is founded in 1579, becoming one of the major institutions of higher education in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This academy, along with others founded during this period, contributes to the educational and cultural development of the Renaissance in Eastern Europe.
1580 CE
Spanish Annexation of Portugal
Philip II's victory in the War of the Portuguese Succession led to the annexation of Portugal and the creation of the Iberian Union. This effectively integrated Portugal's overseas empire into Spain's domain, creating an unprecedented global empire.
1594 CE
Zamość Academy Founded
The Academy at Zamość is founded in 1594, completing the trio of new academies established in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Renaissance. These institutions represent the expansion of higher education and the spread of Renaissance learning in Central and Eastern Europe.
1606 CE
Willem Janszoon Lands in Australia
In 1606, Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon sails from the East Indies in the Dutch East India Company ship Duyfken and lands in Australia. He charts about 300 km of the west coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, representing the first known European landing on the Australian continent during the age of Renaissance exploration.
1640 CE
Portugal Regains Independence
Portugal regained its independence from Spain, ending the Iberian Union that had lasted since 1580. This separation reduced Spanish territorial control and marked the beginning of the decline of Spanish global dominance.
1642 CE
Abel Tasman Circumnavigates Australia
Between 1642 and 1643, Abel Tasman circumnavigates the Australian continent, proving that it was not joined to the imagined south polar continent. This voyage contributes to the Renaissance expansion of geographical knowledge and the mapping of previously unknown territories.
1648 CE
Joan Blaeu's World Map
Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu creates the large world map 'Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula' in 1648 to commemorate the Peace of Westphalia. This map represents the culmination of Renaissance geographical knowledge, showing that every continent except Antarctica had been visited and mostly mapped by Europeans during the Renaissance period.
1650 CE
Dutch Complete Australian Coastal Mapping
By 1650, Dutch cartographers have mapped most of the coastline of the Australian continent, which they named New Holland, except the east coast. This achievement represents the culmination of Renaissance exploration and mapping efforts, demonstrating the extent of European geographical knowledge by the end of the Renaissance period.
1700 CE
Death of Charles II and War of Spanish Succession
Charles II of Spain died without an heir, leading to the War of the Spanish Succession. This conflict would determine the future of the Spanish Empire and result in the establishment of Bourbon rule in Spain.
Philip V Becomes King of Spain
Philip V, a French Bourbon prince and grandson of Louis XIV, became King of Spain after the War of Spanish Succession. This marked the beginning of Bourbon rule in Spain and initiated significant administrative and economic reforms.
1713 CE
Treaties of Utrecht
The Treaties of Utrecht ended the War of Spanish Succession, confirming Philip V as King of Spain while ceding European territories to other powers. The treaty also granted Britain the asiento de negros, allowing British merchants to sell slaves in Spanish America.
1741 CE
Battle of Cartagena de Indias
Spain successfully repulsed a major British attack on the fortress of Cartagena de Indias in present-day Colombia. This victory helped secure Spanish dominance in the Caribbean and demonstrated the effectiveness of Spanish colonial defenses.
1776 CE
Establishment of Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata
Spain created the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata to better administer its South American territories and counter Portuguese expansion. This administrative reorganization reflected Bourbon efforts to modernize colonial government and improve economic efficiency.
1780 CE
Tupac Amaru Uprising
A major indigenous uprising led by Tupac Amaru II erupted in Peru, challenging Spanish colonial authority. This rebellion demonstrated growing unrest with Bourbon reforms and tighter colonial control, foreshadowing later independence movements.
1781 CE
Siege of Pensacola
Spanish forces led by Bernardo de Gálvez captured Pensacola from the British during the American Revolutionary War. This victory was part of Spain's successful Gulf Coast campaign that helped recapture Florida from British control.
1803 CE
Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States, ending Spanish control over this vast region. This transaction marked the first major territorial loss for Spain in the 19th century and reduced Spanish influence in North America.
1808 CE
Napoleonic Invasion of Spain
Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the Iberian Peninsula and placed his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne, creating a crisis of legitimacy. This event triggered the Peninsular War and sparked independence movements throughout Spanish America.
1810 CE
Argentine Independence Movement Begins
Argentina began its independence movement, marking the start of widespread Spanish American wars of independence. This movement would inspire similar independence struggles throughout Spanish America and lead to the gradual dissolution of the Spanish Empire.
Mexican War of Independence Begins
The Mexican War of Independence began, initiating more than a decade of struggle against Spanish rule. This conflict would eventually lead to Mexican independence in 1821 and the loss of Spain's most valuable North American territory.
1819 CE
Adams-Onís Treaty
Spain ceded its claims in the western United States to America and sold Florida, establishing a boundary between New Spain and the U.S. This treaty marked a significant reduction in Spanish territorial claims in North America.
1821 CE
Mexican Independence
Mexico gained independence from Spain after more than a decade of warfare, ending Spanish rule in its most valuable North American territory. This independence led to the subsequent independence of Central American provinces by 1823.
1824 CE
Battle of Ayacucho
The decisive Battle of Ayacucho effectively ended Spanish rule in South America, with the captured Royalist army consisting mostly of Spanish Americans rather than Spaniards. This victory secured independence for Peru and marked the end of major Spanish military presence in South America.
1861 CE
Spanish Annexation of Santo Domingo
Spain annexed Santo Domingo, which had been independent since 1821. This recolonization effort led to a guerrilla war in 1863 and proved costly for Spain, which spent over 33 million pesos fighting insurgents before withdrawing in 1865.
1865 CE
Spanish Withdrawal from Santo Domingo
Spain withdrew from Santo Domingo after spending over 33 million pesos fighting insurgents, with 10,888 Spanish soldiers killed or wounded and 18,000 dead from all causes. This costly failure demonstrated the difficulty of reestablishing colonial control.
1898 CE
Spanish-American War Begins
The United States declared war on Spain, marking the start of the Spanish-American War. This conflict would result in Spain losing its remaining territories in the Americas and the Pacific, effectively ending the Spanish Empire.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War, with Spain ceding Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the U.S. and selling the Philippines for $20 million. This treaty marked the effective end of the Spanish Empire as a global power.
1899 CE
German-Spanish Treaty
Spain sold its remaining Pacific Ocean possessions to Germany, retaining only its African territories. This transaction completed Spain's withdrawal from the Pacific and marked the end of its global maritime empire.
1912 CE
Spanish Morocco Established
Morocco was divided between French and Spanish protectorates, with Spain receiving the northern region. This division established Spanish Morocco as one of Spain's last significant colonial territories in the 20th century.
1921 CE
Battle of Annual
Spanish forces suffered a major military defeat against Moroccan insurgents led by Abdelkrim during the Rif War. This disaster was described as occurring during 'the most acute period of Spanish decadence' and led to the use of chemical weapons.
1925 CE
Alhucemas Landing
The Spanish Army and Navy, with French collaboration, conducted the Alhucemas landing, ending the Rif War. This operation is considered the first successful amphibious landing in history supported by seaborne air power and tanks.
1956 CE
Spanish Morocco Independence
When French Morocco became independent, Spain surrendered Spanish Morocco to the new nation but retained control of Sidi Ifni, Tarfaya, and Spanish Sahara. This marked the beginning of the end of Spanish colonial presence in North Africa.
1968 CE
Equatorial Guinea Independence
Under pressure from Equatoguinean nationalists and the United Nations, Spain announced it would grant independence to Equatorial Guinea. This decision marked Spain's withdrawal from its last significant African colony.
1975 CE
Spanish Withdrawal from Western Sahara
The Green March prompted Spanish withdrawal from Spanish Sahara under Moroccan military pressure, ending Spanish control over its last major colonial territory. The future of this former Spanish colony remains disputed to this day.
1976 CE
End of Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire officially ended in 1976 with the completion of decolonization processes. This marked the conclusion of nearly 500 years of Spanish colonial rule and the transformation of Spain into a modern European nation-state.