A-Level History (WJEC - Eduqas) > Spain: Empire and Golden Age > Flashcards

Spain: Empire and Golden Age Flashcards

Evaluate political authority, religion and imperial expansion in early modern Spain. (94 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

Which two kingdoms were united by the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1469?

A

Castile and Aragon

Their marriage created a dynastic union but the kingdoms kept separate institutions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

True or False:

In 1469, Castile was richer and more populous than Aragon.

A

True

Castile was more valuable than Aragon primarily due to its larger population (approx. 4 million vs. 800,000), immense territorial size, and control of lucrative wool exports through the Mesta

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What term is often used to describe the strengthened royal authority created under Ferdinand and Isabella?

A

New Monarchy

Refers to centralisation of royal power in the late 15th century.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Which religion dominated the Iberian Peninsula politically and culturally by the late 15th century?

A

Christianity

Christian kingdoms had largely replaced Muslim rule through the Reconquista.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What term refers to Jews who converted to Christianity in Spain?

A

Conversos

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

True or False:

In 1469 the Iberian Peninsula was politically unified under a single government.

A

False

Several kingdoms existed, including Castile, Aragon, Portugal and Navarre.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Which long military campaign against Muslim rule in Iberia concluded in 1492?

A

Reconquista

The conquest of Granada ended centuries of conflict.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which powerful noble families challenged royal authority in Castile before 1469?

A

Grandes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Which Muslim state in Iberia was conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492?

A

Granada

The last Muslim kingdom in Spain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What term was used for Muslims who remained in Spain after Christian reconquest?

A

Moriscos

Many later faced forced conversion or expulsion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

True or False:

Anti-Semitism declined significantly in Spain after 1469.

A

False

Hostility toward Jews and conversos intensified.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which institution was established in 1478 to enforce religious orthodoxy?

A

Spanish Inquisition

Targeted suspected heresy, especially among conversos.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What social group often resisted royal authority before the reforms of Ferdinand and Isabella?

A

Nobility

Powerful nobles had dominated politics during earlier instability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which institution allowed the monarchy to maintain order in towns and countryside?

A

Santa Hermandad

A royal policing organisation established to maintain law and order.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which social group made up the majority of the population in rural Spain?

A

Peasantry

Many peasants remained poor and dependent on landowners.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What urban social group gained influence in Spanish towns during this period?

A

Urban elites

Merchants and officials often supported royal authority.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Which economic problem affected Spain during the late 15th century?

A

Economic stagnation

Agriculture and trade were relatively underdeveloped compared to parts of Europe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

True or False:

Spain became heavily involved in Atlantic exploration during the late 15th century.

A

True

Exploration led to overseas expansion and new trade routes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Which explorer sailed for Spain and reached the Americas in 1492?

A

Christopher Columbus

His voyages opened Spanish expansion in the New World.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What term describes the overseas territories controlled by Spain in the Americas?

A

Spanish Empire

These territories greatly expanded Spain’s global influence.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Which year marked the death of Ferdinand and the end of the first phase of the new monarchy?

A

1516

His death passed power to his grandson Charles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

True or False:

Spain was completely politically unified under one legal system by 1516.

A

False

Castile and Aragon retained separate laws and institutions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Which ruler inherited the Spanish crowns in 1516?

A

Charles I

He later became Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Which European imperial title did Charles gain in 1519?

A

Holy Roman Emperor

This greatly expanded his political power in Europe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Which **revolt in Castile** challenged **Charles’ rule between 1520 and 1521**?
Revolt of the Comuneros ## Footnote Towns rebelled against foreign influence and royal authority.
26
Which **revolt** occurred in **Valencia and Mallorca** during Charles’ early reign?
Revolt of the Germania ## Footnote Artisans and guild members rebelled against elites.
27
Name three motives for the **Revolt of the Germania.**
* Plague & economic crisis weakened towns and increased hardship. * Abusive nobles and lack of local protection angered guild members. * Royal weakness under young Charles I created a power vacuum.
28
# True or False: Both the **Comuneros and Germania revolts** successfully removed Charles from power.
False ## Footnote Both uprisings were eventually defeated.
29
What **system of government** relied on **specialised councils** to advise the monarch?
Conciliar government ## Footnote Councils managed areas such as finance, war and foreign policy.
30
Which **administrative bodies** helped **Charles govern his vast territories**?
Councils ## Footnote Examples include the Council of State and Council of the Indies.
31
What was the function of **the Council of State**?
The Council of State advised Charles I on major matters of foreign policy, war, and diplomacy to help guide the direction of his empire.
32
What was the function of **the Council of the Indies**?
The Council of the Indies managed Spain’s overseas empire by overseeing colonial administration, justice, and legislation for the New World.
33
# Fill in the blank: The **Spanish monarchy** governed through advisory bodies known as **_\_\_\_\_\_**.
Councils ## Footnote They were central to imperial administration.
34
Which **military threat from the eastern Mediterranean** challenged Spain in the 16th century?
Ottoman Turks ## Footnote The Ottoman Empire expanded into Europe and the Mediterranean.
35
Which **religious movement** challenged **Catholic authority during Charles’ reign**?
Protestant Reformation ## Footnote It began in 1517 and spread across Europe.
36
# True or False: Spain became a major **centre of Protestantism** during the 16th century.
False ## Footnote The Spanish monarchy strongly defended Catholicism.
37
What **religious policy** did the **Spanish monarchy pursue during Charles’ reign**?
Catholic orthodoxy ## Footnote The crown supported the Church and opposed Protestantism.
38
What term describes the **Spanish soldiers and adventurers** who conquered territories in the Americas?
Conquistadores ## Footnote They led military campaigns against indigenous empires.
39
What **valuable metal** flowed into Spain from the **New World in large quantities**?
Silver ## Footnote Mines in the Americas transformed Spain’s economy.
40
What **economic effect** did **American silver** have on Spain in the 16th century?
Inflation ## Footnote Large amounts of bullion increased prices across Europe.
41
# True or False: The **New World** had little economic impact on Spain by the mid-16th century.
False ## Footnote American wealth significantly shaped Spain’s economy and power.
42
Name **three economic impacts** that the New World had on Spain by the mid‑16th century.
* Large quantities of silver and gold from mines such as Potosí increased Spain’s wealth and fuelled inflation. * Growth of Seville as a trade hub, becoming the centre of transatlantic commerce through the Casa de Contratación. * New agricultural products like sugar and tobacco stimulated new industries and increased Spain’s involvement in global trade.
43
Which **social effect** resulted from the **wealth of the Spanish Empire**?
Social inequality ## Footnote Wealth increased the gap between elites and poorer groups.
44
Which **institution** helped administer Spain’s **colonial territories in the Americas**?
Council of the Indies ## Footnote It oversaw colonial government and trade.
45
Which **year** marked the **abdication of Charles** and the end of his reign in Spain?
1556 ## Footnote He transferred power to his son Philip II.
46
# True or False: By **1556** Spain had become **one of the most powerful states in Europe**.
True ## Footnote Its empire and resources gave it major international influence.
47
What major **global status** had Spain achieved by **1556** due to its empire and military power?
Great Power ## Footnote Spain dominated European politics in the mid-16th century.
48
Which **ruler** became **king of Spain in 1556** after the abdication of Charles I?
Philip II ## Footnote Son of Charles I (Charles V); ruled Spain until 1598.
49
What **city** became the **permanent capital of Spain** under Philip II?
Madrid ## Footnote Philip established Madrid as the centre of royal government.
50
Which **royal palace-monastery** symbolised **Philip II’s rule and authority**?
El Escorial ## Footnote Built near Madrid as a royal residence and administrative centre.
51
# True or False: **Philip II** ruled most of his empire by **travelling constantly across Europe**.
False ## Footnote Unlike his father, Philip ruled mainly from Spain.
52
What **governing system** continued under Philip II using **specialised advisory bodies**?
Conciliar government ## Footnote Councils handled areas such as finance, war and overseas territories.
53
Which **council** supervised **Spain’s overseas empire in the Americas**?
Council of the Indies ## Footnote It managed colonial administration and policy.
54
What **political problem** sometimes weakened **Philip’s government**?
Court factionalism ## Footnote Rival groups competed for influence within the royal court.
55
What were the two factions which weakened Philip's court?
* The Eboli faction (led by Ruy Gómez de Silva) * The Albia faction (led by the Duke of Alba)
56
Which **rebellion in Spain** during Philip’s reign was led by **Muslim converts to Christianity**?
Morisco Revolt ## Footnote The revolt in Granada occurred between 1568 and 1571.
57
What were three consequences of the **Morisco Revolt**?
* Moriscos were deported from Granada across Castile. * Harsher repression of Morisco culture and customs. * Local economic decline in the Alpujarras region.
58
# True or False: **Philip II** promoted **religious tolerance** within Spain.
False ## Footnote He strongly supported Catholic orthodoxy.
59
Name three methods used by **Philip II** to promote Catholic Orthodoxy within Spain
* Strengthened the Inquisition to enforce religious conformity and root out heresy. * Supported the Jesuits to expand Catholic education and spiritual discipline. * Enforced strict anti‑heresy laws, including censorship and banning Protestant books.
60
Which **Catholic religious order** played an important role in **education and missionary work** in Spain?
Jesuits ## Footnote Founded by Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century.
61
Which **institution** continued to investigate and punish **religious heresy** during Philip’s reign?
Spanish Inquisition ## Footnote It targeted Protestants, conversos and other suspected heretics.
62
What was **Philip II’s relationship** with the Papacy?
Cooperative ## Footnote Both supported Catholic reform and opposition to Protestantism.
63
What **economic resource from the Americas** continued to flow into Spain in large quantities?
Silver ## Footnote Especially from mines such as Potosí.
64
What major **economic problem** affected Spain despite its **wealth from the New World**?
Inflation ## Footnote The influx of silver caused rising prices.
65
# True or False: Spain’s **royal finances** remained stable throughout Philip II’s reign.
False ## Footnote Spain declared bankruptcy several times.
66
What **financial problem** frequently troubled **Philip II’s government**?
Royal debt ## Footnote Military spending placed enormous strain on finances.
67
What **cultural period** in Spain during Philip II’s reign is often called the **‘Golden Age’**?
Siglo de Oro ## Footnote A flourishing of literature, art and intellectual activity.
68
Which **intellectual movement** influenced **cultural and scholarly life** during this period?
Humanism ## Footnote Encouraged study of classical texts and education.
69
Which **social group** benefited most from **Spain’s imperial wealth**?
Nobility ## Footnote Many nobles held land, offices and privileges.
70
Name 3 ways the Nobility benefited most from **Spain’s imperial wealth**
* Expanded incomes from royal grants and offices funded by New World silver. * Greater opportunities for military and administrative careers in the empire, boosting their prestige. * Ability to invest in land, estates, and titles, increasing their long‑term wealth and social power.
71
# True or False: The **wealth of empire** eliminated poverty in Spain.
False ## Footnote Large sections of the population remained poor.
72
Which **European kingdom** had long been Spain’s **main rival** before declining in influence during Philip’s reign?
France ## Footnote Spanish power overshadowed France in the mid-16th century.
73
Which **region of Europe** was an important focus of **Spanish influence during conflicts with France**?
Italy ## Footnote Spain controlled territories such as Milan and Naples.
74
Which **major Muslim empire** challenged Spain in the **Mediterranean**?
Ottoman Empire ## Footnote The Ottomans competed for naval dominance.
75
Which **naval battle in 1571** dealt a **major blow to Ottoman naval power**?
Battle of Lepanto ## Footnote A Holy League fleet defeated the Ottomans.
76
# True or False: The **Battle of Lepanto** ended all Ottoman naval power permanently.
False ## Footnote Ottoman naval strength recovered within a few years.
77
Which **kingdom** came under **Spanish control in 1580** after a dynastic crisis?
Portugal ## Footnote Philip II became king of Portugal as Philip I.
78
What **advantage** did the **union with Portugal** give Spain?
The union with Portugal gave Spain the huge advantage of gaining access to Portugal’s global empire and trade routes, greatly expanding Spanish influence and resources.
79
Which **northern European region** rebelled against **Spanish rule** during Philip II’s reign?
Netherlands ## Footnote Religious and political tensions sparked revolt.
80
What long **conflict** began in the **Netherlands in 1568**?
Dutch Revolt ## Footnote Also known as the Eighty Years’ War.
81
# True or False: The **Dutch Revolt** was quickly suppressed by Spanish forces.
False ## Footnote The conflict continued for decades.
82
Which **Protestant queen of England** opposed Spanish power and supported the **Dutch rebels**?
Elizabeth I ## Footnote Anglo-Spanish rivalry intensified during her reign.
83
Which **major Spanish naval expedition** attempted to **invade England in 1588**?
Spanish Armada ## Footnote The fleet was defeated by English forces and storms.
84
Which **ocean region** saw conflict between **Spain and England** during Philip II’s reign?
Caribbean ## Footnote English privateers attacked Spanish shipping and colonies.
85
What **term** describes English sailors who **attacked Spanish ships with royal approval**?
Privateers ## Footnote Figures such as Francis Drake targeted Spanish treasure fleets.
86
# True or False: Spain’s **empire in the Americas** continued expanding during Philip II’s reign.
True ## Footnote Settlement, trade and administration expanded across the colonies.
87
What **economic system** organised **indigenous labour** for Spanish colonial projects?
Encomienda ## Footnote Indigenous communities provided labour to Spanish settlers.
88
What was a major **social impact of Spanish colonisation** in the Americas?
Population decline ## Footnote Disease and exploitation devastated indigenous populations.
89
# Fill in the blank: The system granting Spanish settlers rights to **indigenous labour** was called the **_\_\_\_\_\_ system**.
Encomienda ## Footnote It became central to colonial economic organisation.
90
By **1598** what **position** did Spain hold in **European politics**?
Dominant power ## Footnote Spain possessed vast territories and military influence.
91
# True or False: Spain’s power by **1598** was completely secure and free from weaknesses.
False ## Footnote Financial strain and military commitments created vulnerabilities.
92
What major **weakness** undermined **Spanish power despite its empire**?
Financial instability ## Footnote Repeated bankruptcies weakened the monarchy.
93
Which **year** marked the **death of Philip II** and the end of his reign?
1598 ## Footnote He was succeeded by his son Philip III.
94
# Fill in the blank: Philip II died in **_\_\_\_\_\_** after ruling Spain for over four decades.
1598 ## Footnote His reign marked the peak of Spain’s imperial power.
A-Level History (WJEC - Eduqas)
flashcards
Decks in class (30)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions