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Spanish Empire

Definition

The Spanish Empire was one of the largest empires in history, spanning across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It reached its height of power during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Analogy

Think of the Spanish Empire as a colossal puzzle made up of different pieces from all over the world. Each piece represents a territory conquered by Spain, fitting together to form an empire that stretched far and wide.

Related terms

Conquistadors: Conquistadors were Spanish explorers and conquerors who played a significant role in expanding the Spanish Empire through their expeditions.

Colonialism: Colonialism refers to the policy or practice of establishing colonies by one country in another territory for economic or political purposes.

Treaty of Tordesillas: The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them during the Age of Exploration.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.