Page 65 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

THE HIST OR Y OF SP AIN  63

New World Crops
Not only did Spain profit
from the gold and silver
brought across the ocean
from the Americas, but
also from an amazing
range of new crops. Some,
including potatoes and
Cacao maize, were introduced for
Defeat of the Spanish Armada plant cultivation in Spain, while
Spain’s self-esteem suffered a hard blow when its others, such as tobacco and
“invincible” 133-ship fleet was destroyed in an cacao, were mainly grown in native
attempt to invade Protestant England in 1588. soil. Cocoa, from cacao beans, gained
favour as a drink.

Armour of Felipe II
Felipe II (1556–98) was a
cunning administrator, who
claimed to rule the world
with paper rather than
military might.

Flag of Spain Peruvian with exotic New World fruit
(until 1785)

Storage space
for New World
treasures

Spanish Galleon
Although sturdily built to
carry New World treasure
back to Spain, these ships were Carlos I (1516–56) During
hard to manoeuvre except with his tumultuous 40-year reign,
the wind behind. They were Carlos I (Holy Roman Emperor
often no match for smaller, Charles V) often led his troops
swifter pirate vessels. on the battlefield.

1557 First of a series of partial
bankruptcies of Spain 1588 Spanish
Armada fails in
1561 Building of attack on England
El Escorial, near El Escorial
Madrid, begins (see pp334–5)
1550 1560 1570 1580 1590
1561 Madrid 1571 Spanish victory
becomes capital over Turks in naval battle 1580 Portugal unites
of Spain of Lepanto with Spain for the next
1568 Moriscos (converted Moors) in 60 years
the Alpujarras (Granada) rebel against 1569 Bible published for
high taxes and persecution first time in Castilian

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