Hapsburg Dynasty of Spain

Definition

The Hapsburg Dynasty of Spain was a royal family that ruled over various territories in Europe, including Spain, from the 16th to the 18th century. They were known for their political marriages and alliances.

Analogy

Think of the Hapsburg Dynasty like a popular high school clique. Just as this group would try to maintain its popularity and influence by forming strategic friendships (like dating the football captain or befriending the class president), the Hapsburgs maintained their power through strategic marriages and alliances.

Related terms

Charles V: He was a member of the Hapsburg dynasty who ruled over an empire spanning Europe and the Americas during the 16th century.

Spanish Armada: This was a large naval fleet sent by Philip II of Spain, another member of the Hapsburg dynasty, in an unsuccessful attempt to invade England in 1588.

War of Spanish Succession: A major European conflict in the early 18th century triggered by the death of Charles II, which ended with a Bourbon monarch on Spanish throne but marked decline for Spanish power.