Spain has a long and rich history that provides a solid foundation for its unique identity, set of traditions, and the way of living of locals.
Numerous influences brought by several civilizations, including Moors, Romans, Greeks, and Iberians, contribute to what the country is today. The background of Spain was established centuries prior to the fall of these civilizations.
The nation stood by the practices of invaders, and was included in its history, long before the rise of democracy. There are numerous important events recorded in history that paved the way for the freedom of Spaniards today.
From the separation of kingdoms, the fall of empires, building its first republic, and return to democracy, there’s certainly a lot to know about this European country.
Before visiting, it wouldn’t hurt to know Spain’s colorful history. This can give a broader understanding of the locals, their way of living, as well as their treasured culture. Read on to know the top 10 facts of Spanish history.
A Short History of Spain: 10 Significant Events to Know
Carthage Settlement in Spain
Following its failure in the First Punic War, the Carthage maneuvered to Spain as a point of interest. The Carthaginians turned to the European country to establish its empire, then choosing to settle for long. Upon the death of Carthage’s ruler Hamilcar Barca, his troops began a movement to get rid of Romans and Marseille.
The empire was led by Barca’s son-in-law, Hasdrubal, and continued the war. Unfortunately, he also died, and was later replaced by Barca’s son Hannibal in 247 BCE.
Going further north, Carthaginians made an ally with Marseille, but not soon after, the Romans fought harder with the help of its colonies in Iberia.
This bloody war transitioned to the Second Punic War in 218 BCE, when Spanish natives helped to throw out Carthage. It’s an important background of Spain, as Romans influenced the Iberian Peninsula.
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Roman Occupation
Following the success of fighting Carthaginians out, the Roman empire rises in Spain. However, they’ve plans to conquer the country and make a name for themselves. With this selfish movement, Spanish natives have to fight for their freedom, but end up in brutal warfare.
In 211, general Scipio Africanus eradicated the last remaining Carthage in Spain, which indicated the start of Roman occupation. The war continued for decades as commanders tried to make a name for themselves and siege the north. Then, emperor Agrippa ordered the attack on Cantabrians, which expanded its power.
Visigothic Kingdom
While Romans were in power, German groups Sueves, Vandals, and Alans hoped on Spain and prompted a civil war. These groups were followed by Visigoths, then crushed the last imperial enclaves existing in the northern region. Visigoths had Spain in control, they’ve adapted a unified Visigothic Kingdom in 507 BCE.
Soon after, the Visigoths made allies with Romans, until the Muslims arrived in Spain. The Visigoths remained in power for centuries, long before the Muslim force attacked the kingdom.
The history of Spain timeline was on fire with the entry of Muslims, as a new religion was brought about by these invaders.
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Muslim Conquest
The Muslim conquest began in 711 BCE, with Berbers and Arabs forces attacking North Africa. These invaders monitored the collapse of the Visigothic Kingdom, before launching an attack. One of the reasons for the decline in the power of the Visigoths is backward leadership.
Upon the arrival of the Muslim forces, they were able to conquer Spain’s center and southern regions, however, the remaining of the northern region was under Christians. The invaders established a new region in the south, which was occupied by many immigrants.
100 Years of War
Before the transition to the 15th century, war was declared by England and France, and spilled into Spain. This came after the bastard half-brother of King, Henry of Trastámora, claimed the throne of Peter I. The tension of the two nations led to the international intervention, then Henry III was put onto its throne.
The whole war lasted for 116 years, witnessing a number of battles; Crécy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. England enjoyed its victory over France, however, a majority of French refused to English domination. In 1453, peace was revived, as England recognized the strength of French troops.
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One Monarch
In the latter part of the 14th century, Catholic Monarchs came to power. Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabelle of Castile united for a marriage in 1469, binding the country as one.
Both came to power following the war, and had significant roles in reviving peace and uniting the country under one kingdom.
Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Navarre and Granada, then added it into their lands. With this movement, Aragon, Castile, Granada, Navarre, and other regions were put into one Catholic monarch in their leadership.
New World
Christopher Columbus was tipped by the Italians to provide knowledge of the Americans in 1492. Following the information of the New World, consisting of Caribbean foothold, wealth-greedy Spaniards poured over and sought gold, titles, and land. The Spaniards managed to build a legal system called encomienda, or the exploitation of Indian laborers in the estates.
The encomenderos were known to brutalize laborers through punishing, but soon after, the practice was eradicated. A system called repartimiento was replaced, however, it’s only a milder version of its predecessor. This continued long after Spain took over the Americas.
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Rebellion Against Charles V
When talking about a short history of Spain, the rebellion against Charles V is always mentioned. Upon seating on the throne, Charles appointed foreigners to the court, made tax demands among his substituents, and secured his accession to the Roman Empire in 1520. Because of these unfair practices, Spanish cities rose to power and rebelled against him.
At first, the rebellion became a success, but as it spread to the provinces, the nobility was compromised. The latter grouped as one and eventually crushed the Comuneros. For this, Charles V showed remorse and made improvements to please his Spanish subjects.
First Republic
The First Republic was established in 1873, which was led by King Amadeo. At first, he struggled to form a stable government as political parties aren’t working as one. To carry on, King Amadeo proclaimed the republic himself, but the military officers stood in the way. These officials staged a new pronunciamiento, and withdrew Spain from anarchy.
Officials restored Isabella IIS’s son, rightful to the throne, then formed a new constitution. While this was successful at first, fragmented governments ruined the situation, which led to dictatorship.
General Primo de Rivera was appointed by the King as a dictator and ruled the country. In the latter part of the 18th century, de Rivera was sacked, ordered by the King, as generals took caution over army reforms.
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Return of Democracy
Fast forward to 1939, Spain was under a conservative leader and dictator General Franco. All parties opposing the dictator faced life imprisonment and even execution. The language of the Catalans and Basques were also banned, until Franco faced the death bed in 1975.
General Franco’s death served as a light to transform the Spanish culture and to plan the government. Heir to the throne, Juan Carlos committed democracy, allowing freedom and political reform. This led to the new constitution in 1978, with 88 percent of the amendments were approved.
The shift to democracy had a huge impact on Eastern Europe, marking the most significant history of Spain timeline.