Spain: The 'Great Power', 1556–1598 (A-level only) study guide

Study Guide: Spain's Great Power

Key Topics to Explore:

1. Philip II's Inheritance

• Investigate the political and territorial inheritance from Charles V.
• Analyze Philip's ambitions and how they shaped his policies.

2. Military Dominance

• Examine the structure and strategies of the Spanish military.
• Discuss key military campaigns and their outcomes.

3. The Decline of French Influence

• Explore Spain's interventions in Italy and France.
• Assess the impact of these actions on the balance of power in Europe.

4. Mediterranean Strategies

• Analyze Spain's naval strategies against the Ottoman Empire.
• Discuss the significance of the Iberian Union with Portugal.

5. The Revolt in the Netherlands

• Investigate the causes of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule.
• Evaluate the implications of this conflict for Spain and Europe.

6. Relations with England

• Discuss the conflicts with England, including the Spanish Armada.
• Analyze the broader implications for European politics.

7. New World Ventures

• Explore Spain's colonial policies and their economic impact.
• Assess the social and cultural consequences of Spanish expansion.

8. Spain's Position by 1598

• Evaluate the extent of Spain's power at the end of Philip II's reign.
• Discuss whether Spain's power was sustainable or an illusion.