Spain Then and Now Essay - 783 Words

The Mediterranean peoples were aware of Spain from very early times. Civilization in Spain actually dates back to the Stone Age. There were many people who inhabited Spain most notably the Basques. Later the Carthaginians settled on the east coast and in the Balearic Islands, where Greek colonies also sprang up. In the 3d century BC, the Carthaginians under Hamilcar Barca began to conquer most of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearics and established Cartagena as capital. In the Punic war the Roman army defeats Hannibal and the Carthaginian Empire is inhibited. (It is actually said they ground the stones of Carthage). By the 1st century Roman rule was complete. But this was not an entirely terrible thing, Rome brought, as they did†¦show more content†¦At the time of the Inquisition, (a beautiful example of Medieval tolerance), all internal threats to Christian Spain were eliminated. But all events of the 15th century were not dire. Probably most important to we as Westerners was the discovery by Christopher Columbus, an Italian, with the Financing of Spain of the New World. This single event thrust Spain into its Golden Age. Charles the first succeeded Ferdinand Spain was still somewhat divided. Charles centralized these individual cities and united them as Spaniards. By the time of Charles son Phillip Spain was a untied monarchy. In fact Spain began to go on the offensive itself. This imperialist attitude led to a conflict with England and Elizabeth I, in 1588 that would greatly diminish the power of Spain for a century. In1618-48. Spain became involved in a conflict with France. In peace treaties France won, at the expense of Spain many treaties. The economy steadily was diminished. The Spanish Empire had sapped Spains strength rather than fostering it. The court and government had weakened in quarrel and corruption. The church once the adhesive of Spain was exhausted from the never-ending power struggle with the government. The worst defeat was suffered at the hands of the French under Napoleon Bonaparte, which ended with the loss of the throne and the humiliation of foreign occupation. In 1814Show MoreRelatedThe Religious Beliefs Of Spain1020 Words   |  5 PagesEnglish 6 09 March 2016 Religion in Spain Muhammad Ali previously stated, â€Å"Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams - they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do - they all contain truths.† (qtd. Brainyquote.com) From King Philip III secretly expelling all Muslims in Spain and Iberia, to the torturing of converts, and the harsh acts against Jews, Spain has indeed experienced many religions. Throughout the years, the religious beliefs of Spain have changed, whether they wereRead MoreCountry Report: Spain Essay980 Words   |  4 Pages Spain is a country which occupies most of the Iberian peninsula of Europe. 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The market say they fear Spain may end up like Greece, and unableRead MoreSpain and New World Essay725 Words   |  3 PagesIn 1490 there was no such country as spain, yet within a century it had become the most powerful nation in europe and within another century had sunk to the status of a third rate power. Describe and analyze the major social economic and political reasons for spains rise and fall. Throughout history, as we study Spain we can clearly recognize high and low points in their success. In the fifteen hundreds Spain had no influence on European affairs, Spain essentially vanished out of Europe. HoweverRead MoreIntro and historical context Spain is in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula and is1100 Words   |  5 Pages Intro and historical context Spain is in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula and is currently ruled by Mariano Rajoy since December 21st, 2011. Spain is a sovereign state and a member state of the European Union. Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union. Spain is Famous for their Bullfights festival of tomatoes and so much more. Each one of these things resembles a certain part of Spanish culture. Bullfights in Spain first started in 711-1492 A.D. SpanishRead MoreThe Economy Of Spain And Spain1156 Words   |  5 PagesThe economy of Spain has taken a downturn in 2011 since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Unlike the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, where Spain was a global empire, modern Spain is facing a very stagnant economy. Spain’s â€Å"unemployment rate reached a record of 27 percent† in 2011. This shows that more than 1 in 5 Spaniards is struggling to feed their family. Luckily, things had gotten better. The October 2015 unemployment re port shows that the number of those who are not working is downRead MoreThe Origin Of Spains Current Economic Crisis1181 Words   |  5 Pages On the Origin of Spain’s current Economic Crisis The economy of Spain has taken a downturn in 2011 since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Unlike the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, where Spain was a global empire, modern Spain is facing a very stagnant economy. Spain’s â€Å"unemployment rate reached a record of 27 percent† in 2011. This shows that more than 1 in 5 Spaniards is struggling to feed their family. Luckily, things had gotten better. The October 2015Read MoreDiversity in Spain1147 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract In this paper I focus on the different types of ethnic groups and diversity in Spain. I will explain the difficulties of each group and how each of them suffer. The participation rates, earnings, and employment differences among the group are also mentioned. Diversity in Spain Spain has a population of 39.5 million and is ethnically heterogeneous. While the overwhelming majority of the residents of Spain identify themselves as Spaniards, there are also number of distinct regionals and linguisticRead MoreSpain : Unique And Different From Other European Countries1681 Words   |  7 PagesSpain – Unique in Every Way Spain - what makes this unique country so special and so different from other European countries? Is it the people, the fascinating history, the beautiful, intrinsic structures, or the old world feel of the countryside and landscape that has not changed much over history? The answer to this last question can be answered simply as – YES. The Spaniards have embraced their history, heritage and roots and continue to teach the younger generations about this great land