The Spanish Empire was a global empire that was established in the early 16th century following the voyages and conquests of Christopher Columbus It included territories in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. The rise of the Spanish Empire ushered in a new era of Spanish domination in world affairs. It marked the beginning of an era of Spanish colonial expansion and increased influence over the rest of the world. The Spanish Empire was one of the most powerful empires of its time and for many years the dominant power in the world.
The Spanish Empire made a lasting impact on the world, influencing the politics, culture, language, and religion of many countries. Five of the best examples of the Spanish Empire’s influence are:
1. The Spanish language is widely spoken across the former empire. Spanish is the official state language of many countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It is also the third most spoken language in the United States.
2. The culture of the former colonies was greatly influenced by the Spanish Empire. Many of these countries share a common cuisine, music, and even the same holidays.
3. The Spanish introduced Roman Catholicism to the Americas and many other countries. Although the religion of some countries in the former empire has since changed, the influence of Catholicism is still seen in the architecture, art, and education systems of many countries.
4. The Spanish Empire established many trading posts that are now among the largest cities in the world. For example, New York City was originally built by the Dutch as a trading post for exchanging goods between Europe and the Americas.
5. The Spanish Empire greatly expanded the concept of global exploration, travel, and commerce. The trading routes and networks established by the Spanish Empire allowed for goods, ideas, and people to travel more quickly and easily than before.
The Spanish Empire was one of the most influential empires in history and its legacy can still be seen today. It had a lasting impact on the culture, language, and economics of many countries around the world. The five examples above are just a few of the ways that the Spanish Empire has shaped our world today.