What Do You Think of the Spanish Empire?
Daily Poll 1296
The year 1492 was a massive year for the Spaniards. Ferdinand II and Isabella I united the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile through their marriage. This unified Spain completed the Reconquista by conquering the Emirate of Granada which was the last Islamic territory on the Iberian peninsula.
That same year is when Isabella and Ferdinand, known as the Catholic monarchs, sponsored Christopher Columbus’ first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. While this didn't result in a North West passage to India it did lead to the Europeans discovering the Americas. The Spanish built their Empire in the Americas. They colonized most of South America with the Conquistadors. They used their advanced weaponry, the natives' dissatisfaction with the Aztecs and Incas, and the introduction of diseases like smallpox to subjugate the native populations.
Latin America is called as such due to Spanish influence and much of the language and culture of South America traces its influence from Spanish imperial rule. Spain's global dominance ended in the 19th century as their colonies in the Americas rebelled and successfully gained independence. Their territories of Guam and the Philippines were lost to the United States with the Spanish-American war. This marked the end of Spain as a global power. The legacy remains. What's your take on it? Don't forget to vote on the poll and to comment below!
Introducing the Daily Poll and its Archive
For over a year, I've been posting the Daily Poll on what is now the Rippaverse Member’s Forum. To make them more accessible, I'm now archiving them on my Substack. These daily polls are often brief, with occasional longer ones, offering a snapshot of my stream of consciousness.