Timelines of Spanish Empire

Romans and Visigoths Reconquista United Spain Hapsburg Spain Bourbon Spain New Spain Mexico South America

Romans and Visigoths—300 B.C. to 750

Phoenician Colonies to Moorish Conquest

BC Year	Event
ANCIENT IBERIA
1000	Cadiz established as trading center by Phoenicians. Over time Carthage gained control of most important ports, mines, and trading centers.
264–214	First Punic War between Roman and Carthage.
236	Hamilcar makes Spain a Carthaginian province.
218	Hannibal captures Saguntum, a Roman ally; provokes the Second Punic War.
ROMAN CONQUEST OF HISPANIA
206	Carthaginian leaders driven out of Spain. Rome form Hispania provinces.
195	Cato (the censor) puts down Turdetani Uprising and other rebellions.
154	The Lusitanians, under Celtiberian hero Viriathus defeat the Romans.
146	Carthage destroyed. Migration to Celtiberian, Roman, and Jewish regions.
139	Death of the Lusitain rebel hero Viriathus by Roman treachery.
133	Scipio the Younger destroys Numantia after costly siege.
105	Cimbrian invasion of Hispania ended by Celtiberians.
97	Celtiberians under Sertorius, rise against Rome.
71	Sertorius assassinated; Pompey reconquers Hispania for Rome.
61	Julius Caesar is governor of Hispania Citerior.
49–45	Caesarean Civil War. Important battles at Massilia, Llerda, and Munda.
22–19	Cantabrian War: Augustus Caesar wins decisive victories over northern tribes. Provinces of Tarraconensis, Baetica, and Lusitania established.

AD Year	Event
ROMAN EMPIRE
0-300	Hispania a prosperous Roman province. Produces leaders such as Trajan, Hadrian , and Seneca.
VISIGOTH SPAIN
350	Ulfilas, Arian missionary, converts Goths, translates Bible to Gothic language.
409	Waves of barbarians, including Suevi, Franks, and Vandals invade Hispania.
414	Ataulfus leads Visigoths into Hispania and settles there.
415	Wallia leads the Visigoths to victory over rivals and founds Visigoth Kingdom.
451	Visigoths under Theodoric fight along side the Romans against Attila the Hun.
466	Euric improves condition of Visigoths, frames the Gothic Code.
506	Alaric II opposes Clovis, and loses Aquitaine to the Franks.
586	Recared renounces Arian Christian and embraces the Church of Rome.
589	Council of Toledo denounces Arianism, puts restrictions on Spanish Jews.
672	Good King Wamba attemps important reforms of government, but is deposed.
MOORISH CONQUEST
711	The Saracens, under Tariq ibn Ziyad, overthrow Visigoths at Battle of Guadalete.
716	Moorish governor, Musa bin Nusair, exiled and son killed for marrying a Christian.
718	Christian hero Pelayo defeats Moors at Covadonga, founds kingdom of Asturias.
721	Odo of Aquitaine drives the Moorish army out of France at the Battle of Toulouse.
732	Saracens defeated by Charles Martel at Tours; retreat across Pyrenees.
750	Umayyad Caliphate overthrown in Damascus. Most of Royal family killed.
755	Caliphate of Cordova established by Abderrahman I, last Umayyad prince.

Reconquista—750 to 1400

Caliphate of Cordova to Pogroms of Seville

AD Year	Event
CALIPHATE OF CORDOVA
755	Caliphate of Cordova established by Abderrahman I, last Umayyad prince.
778	First Frankish raid into Moorish Spain by Charlemagne and his Frankish knights.
800	Charlemagne returns to Spain. Franks gain control of Barcelona, later Catalonia.
824	Franks defeated at by treachery at Roncevalles Pass, subject of Song of Roland .
837	Kingdom of Navarre in the Pyrenees gains its independence from the Franks.
859	Eulogius and other Martyrs of Cordoba executed for Christian faith.
RISE OF LEON and CASTILE
910	Leon united with Asturias, becomes predominant Christian kingdom in Spain.
912	Abderrahman III Caliph of Cordoba, leads Moorish armies against Christians.
932	Fernan Gonsalez establishes the independence of Castile, capital at Burgos.
939	Ramiro II defeats Abderrahman III at Simancas, gains territory for Castile.
ALMANZOR AND CIVIL WAR
976	First conquest of Almanzor, who mastered nearly all of Spain; ruled until 1002.
1002	Death of Almanzor at the Battle of Calatanazor.
1010	Beginning of Civil War between rival claimants to the Caliphate of Cordova.
1031	After 20 years of war, the Moorish empire breaks up into "tarifs" (Taifas).
ALFONSO VI AND ALMORAVIDS
1035	Ramirez I establishes the Kingdom of Aragon.
1072	Alfonso VI becomes king of both Leon and Castile. Quarrels with El Cid.
1085	Alfonso VI captures the Moorish stronghold of Toledo and much of central Spain.
1086	Almoravids arrive in Spain, defeat Christians at Battle of Zalaka.
1094	Almoravides defeat Moorish princes and set up Emirate at Cordova.
1095	El Cid captures Valencia; rules over both Moorish, Christian subjects.
ALFONSO VIII AND ALMOHADS
1137	Catalonia united to the Crown of Aragon under Ramon of Aragon.
1139	Afonso Henriques defeats Yussef at Ourique, founds kingdom of Portugal.
1144	Alfonso of Leon defeats the Almohads at Cordova.
1184	Almohads defeat last of the Almoravids, make their capital at Seville.
1212	Alfonso VIII lead Christians to victory over Almohads at Las Navas de Tolosa.
JAMES I OF ARAGON AND ST. FERDINAND
1228	James of Aragon captures the Balearic Isles.
1236	St. Ferdinand captures Cordova, traditional Moorish stronghold .
1238	Kingdom of Granada founded by Mohammed Alhamar; pays tribute to Castile.
1248	St. Ferdinand captures Seville, Almohad capital.
1340	Spaniards defeats last invasion of African Moors at the Battle of Rio Salado.
SPANISH JEWS AND CONVERSOS
1212	Crusaders attack Jews of Castilian towns following victory at Navas de Tolosa
1250	Papal bull sets restrictions on Jewish activities. Requires distinctive dress.
1350	Favor shown to Jews by Pedro of Castile increases animosity and attacks.
1369	Pedro of Castile, patron of Jews, overthrown by half-brother Henry Trastamara.
1380	St. Vincent of Ferrer encourages thousands of Jews to convert to Christianity.
1391	Massacres of Spanish Jews starting in Seville. Thousands of deaths and forced conversions.
1391	Conversion of Solomon Ha-Levi, prominent Rabbi of Burgos, most powerful converso family in Castile.

United Spain—1350 to 1520

Trastamara Kings to Death of Ferdinand

AD Year	Event
UNION OF CASTILE AND ARAGON
1454-74	Corrupt reign Henry IV of Castile, older brother of Isabela.
1469	Marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabel of Castile.
1474	Death of Henry IV causes war of succession for throne of Castile.
1479	Victory of Isabella and Ferdinand over Joanne of Portugal for throne of Castile.
1476	Isabella establishes militia, Santa Hermendad, to return law and order to Castile.
1480	Isabel reforms finances and property taxes in Castile and pays off debts.
1491	Marriage of Isabel's daughter to Prince of Portugal ends with death of husband.
1496	Marriage of Joanna of Castile to Philip the Fair, Duke of Burgundy.
1497	Suspected poisoning death of Isabel's only son John, heir to the throne of Castile.
1498	Death of Isabel's eldest daughter following second marriage to king of Portugal.
1504	Death of Isabel.
1506	Second Marriage of Ferdinand to Navarre princess fails to produce heirs.
1512	Ferdinand conquers the greater part of Navarre.
1516	Death of Ferdinand; Hapsburg grandson Charles V inherits throne of Spain.
1516	Cardinal Ximenes serves as regent until Charles V comes of age.
FALL OF GRANADA
1482	Ferdinand of Aragon takes city of Alhama, begins conquest of Granada.
1487	Fall of Malaga, second largest city in Granda.
1492	Capital of Granada captured; Boabdil surrenders city to Isabel and Ferdinad.
1499	Most Moors in Granada convert to Christianity or face exile.
1509	Spanish forces under Ximenes take Moorish stronghold of Oran in Africa.
EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT OF HISPANIOLA
1486	Spanish monarchs reject proposals of Christopher Columbus but provide him with a pension.
1492	Isabella supports Columbus' expedition. West Indies discovered October 1492.
1493	Second Voyage. Seventeen ships, 1200 men, settlement on Hispaniola.
1498	Third Voyage ends in arrest. Bobadilla appointed governor.
1499	Alonso Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci explore coast of South America.
1502	Nicolas Ovando replaces Bobadilla, brutally 'pacifies' rebellions in Hispaniola.
1510	First Spanish colony on mainland established at Darien by Balboa.
1513	Vasco Nunez Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean
1513	Ponce de Leon searches for the fountain of youth, discovers Florida
SPANISH JEWS AND CONVERSOS
1369	Pedro of Castile, patron of Jews, overthrown by half-brother Henry Trastamara.
1380	St. Vincent of Ferrer encourages thousands of Jews to convert to Christianity.
1391	Massacres of Spanish Jews starting in Seville. Thousands of deaths and forced conversions.
1478	Spanish Inquisition established, independent of Roman influence.
1480	Ottoman sack of Otranto, massacre of Christians increases fear of treachery by false converts.
1483	Tomas Torquemada, a Franciscan of Jewish descent, named Grand Inquisitor.
1490	Ritual murder of 'Holy Child of La Guadia' enflames anti-Jewish sentiment.
1492	Spanish Jews forced to convert or face expusion.
1492	Conversion of Abraham Senior, Jewish advisor to Isabel and Ferdinand.
1492	Shepardi Jews settle in Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, and Ottoman domains.

Hapsburg Spain—1520 to 1700

Reign of Charles V to Last Spanish Hapsburg

AD Year	Event
REIGN OF CHARLES V
1516	Charles V ascends the throne of Spain.
1517	Protestant Reformation breaks out in Germany.
1521-1526	First Italian War against Francis I of France.
1526-1530	Italian War: League of Cognac, against France, Papal States, Venice.
1527	Charles V sacks Rome and imprisons the pope.
1521	Conquest of Aztecs in Mexico by Hernando Cortez.
1521	Diet of Worms—Lutheran doctrines condemned as heresy.
1525	Council of the Indies is established to govern American territories.
1529	Solyman leads a Turkish army against Vienna.
1532	Conquest of Incas in Peru by Francisco Pizarro.
1534	Ignatius of Loyola founds the Society of Jesus.
1535	Charles V leads the Spanish navy to victory at the Conquest of Tunis.
1545	First Session of the Council of Trent.
1555	Peace of Augsburg—Lutheranism tolerated in Holy Roman Empire.
1556	Charles V abdicates all office and retires to Monastery at Yuste.
	Hapsburg Empire divided between Philip II (Spain, Netherlands, New Spain), and Ferdinand (Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Holy Roman Empire).
REIGN OF PHILIP II
1556	Philip II ascends to the throne of Spain and Netherlands.
1560	Holy League naval fleet organized under Andrea Doria.
1562	Teresa of Avila begins reform of the Carmelite religious order.
1566	Spanish Treasure fleet to New Spain/Philippines sails on regular schedule.
1568	Beginning of the Revolt in the Netherlands
1569	Morisco rebellion in Catalonia put down by Don John of Austria.
1571	The Battle of Lepanto detroys the Ottoman fleet in the Mediterranean.
1579	Union of Utrecht—Northern Netherlands declare independence from Spain.
1580	After death of heirless king, Portugal is united under the Spanish Crown.
1584	William the Silent, Protestant patriot of the Netherlands is assassinated.
1588	Spanish Armada sent to invade England is defeated.
LATER HAPSBURGS (Philips III, IV, and Charles II)
1604	Anglo-Spanish War brought to end after death of Philip II and Elizageth I.
1605	Cervantes publishes Don Quixote
1609	Expulsion of the Moriscos from Spain
1640	Catalonia allies with France, rebels from Spanish crown
1640	Portuguese usurper declared John IV; War of Portuguese independence.
1635-1659	Franco-Spanish War ends with Treaty of the Pyrenees.
1700	Death of Charles II, last Habsburg king of Spain
1700-14	War of the Spanish Succession: England, Austria, vs. French Bourbons.

Bourbon Spain—1700 to 1900

War of Spanish Succession to Spanish American War

AD Year	Event
18th CENTURY
1704	Loss of Gibralter to the British
1714	War of the Spanish Succession brought to a close, Philip V retains the throne
1718	Spain loses War of Quadruple alliance, surrenders Italian territories
1727	Spain fails to retake Gibralter during War with England
1740-48	Beginning War of the Austrian Succession
1754-63	Seven Year's War, Florida lost to Spain.
1759	Charles III ascends throne and attempts "modern" reforms.
1773	Suppression of the Jesuits
1778	Spain joins American Revolutionary War in order to fight against Britain.
1788	Spain falls under control of queen Maria Louisa and Emanuel Godoy.
NAPOLEONIC/REVOLUTIONARY ERA
1808	Napoleon over-runs Spain, initiates Peninsular War
1810	South American governments declare independence from Spain.
1814	Ferdinand VII is restored to the throne. Refuses liberal constitution.
1817	Much of South America lost to Spain after the Battle of Chacabuco
1820-23	Liberal coup d'etat briefly establishes a republican government
1821	Mexico declares independence from Spain.
1823	Peru and Ecuador win independence from Spain
19th CENTURY
1823	Ferdinand VII, supported by France, is restored to the throne.
1833-43	Carlist Wars, Traditionalists seeks to place Don Carlos on the throne
1835	Ecclesiastical confiscations—Monastic orders dissovled, property confiscated.
1843	Isabella II ascends to throne of Spain at age 13.
1846	Second Carlist War
1868	Isabella II deposed, exiled to France
1869	Liberal constituional monarchy attempted under Amedeus of Savoy
1873	First Spanish Republic attempted, collapsed almost immediately.
1874	Alfonso XII raised to the throne of Spain
1898	Spanish American War, Cuba and Philippines lost to Spain.
1931	Second Spanish Republic quickly descends into anarchy.
1936-39	Nationalist victory in the Spanish Civil War

New Spain—1520 to 1820

Conquest of Mexico to Grito de Dolores

AD Year	Event
EARLY SPANISH EXPLORATION
1492	First voyage of Columbus to the Americas. New World claimed for Spain.
1513	Vasco Nunez Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean
1519	Ferdinand Magellan embarks on first round-the-world voyage.
1521	Hernando Cortez conquers Mexico for Spain. Rules as governor for six years.
1532	Francisco Pizarro conquers Incan Empire, Silver and Gold Mines found.
1540-42	Explorations of Francisco de Coronado in American Southwest.
1541	Hernando De Soto explores much of the Southeast U.S., discovers the Mississippi.
1551	St. Augustine, first permanent settlement in North America, founded by Pedro Menendez.
EARLY VICEROYS AND MISSIONARIES
1523	Pedro Gante , cousin of Charles V, founds first school for natives in Mexico.
1524	Cortez invites Franciscan Twelve Apostles of Mexico to convert the natives.
1525	Council of the Indies is established to govern American territories.
1527	Nuno de Guzman leads 1st Audiencia to Spain, abuses allies of Cortes.
1529	Toribio Motolinia , missionary to Nuhuas, wrote their history, converted 1000's of natives to Christianity.
1530	Juan de Zumarraga appointed first Archbishop of Mexico.
1531	Vasco de Quiroga heads 2nd Audience, deposes Guzman, protects Indians.
1532-50	Antonio de Mendoza appointed First Viceroy of Mexico.
1532	Francisco Pizarro conquers Peru — Silver and Gold Mines found, Adventurers flock to Peru.
1536	Vasco de Quiroga bishop of Michoacan, served 30 years, built schools, hospitals for natives.
1536	Bernardino de Sahagun founds first college in Mexico, works 50 years on Aztec history with the help of native scholars.
1542	New Laws for the Protection of the Indians promulgated by Charles V.
1547	Andres de Olmos , missionary linguist, wrote Aztec grammar, translated Catechism.
1551	First Universities: University of San Marcos in Lima, University of Mexico in New Spain.
1584	Pedro Contreras served as Archbishop of New Spain, Viceroy, and Inquisitor General. Protector of the Indians.
1585	Bernardino de Sahagun publishes history of the Aztecs, also known as the Florentine Codex: .
SPANISH GALLEONS AND FREEBOOTERS
1565	First permanent Spanish settlement in Philippines established in Cebu.
1566	Spanish Treasure fleet to New Spain/Philippines sails on regular schedule.
1578	Francis Drake and other Privateers begin attacks on Spanish treasure ships.
1655	Great Britain conquers Island of Jamaica and makes it a haven for Pirates.
1671	Henry Morgan and band of pirates sack and loot Panama City.
BOURBON 'REFORMS'
1713	Begin 'Bourbon reforms' to intended strengthen monarchial control of colonies and increase revenues: Reduce influence of the clergy and native-born officials, raise taxes, and enforce monopolies.
1738	War of Jenkin's Ear with Britain. Britain presses rights to slave trade in America.
1763	Spain cedes Florida to Britain for return of Cuba after Seven Years War.
1768	Jesuits expelled from Mexico, leaving missions unattended.
1769	Junipero Serra founds over a dozen missions in California.
EARLY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
1808	Overthrow of Spanish king by Napoloen, Peninsular war, incites desire for Mexican 'Independence'.
1810	Grito de Delores. First pro-Independence movement in Mexico led by Freemason/priest Miguel Hidalgo.
1814	Ferdinand VII restored to the Spanish throne. Independence movement looses steam.
1820-22	Liberal Coup in Spain overthrows monarchy, Ferdinand VII imprisoned.
1821	Traditionalists unite under Augustin Iturbide to break ties with 'Liberal' Spain.

Mexico—1820 to 1930

Mexican Independence to Cristeros War

AD Year	Event
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE
	The popular movement for Mexican 'Independence' was in all cases a reaction AGAINST Republican/Liberal governments in Spain that usurped the legitimate monarchy. Popular sentiment in both Spain and American colonies was strongly anti-republican.
1808	Overthrow of Spanish king by Napoloen leads to Peninsular War in Spain.
1810	Miguel Hidalgo leads revolt against Napoleonic government of Spain.
1814	Restoration of Ferdinand VII puts a stop to independence movement.
1820-23	Military coup in Spain installs unpopular liberal government.
1822	Spanish general Agustin Iturbide leads revolt against Liberal usurpers.
1823	Iturbide proclaimed emperor, then overthrown by republican conspirators.
1823	Monroe Doctrine proclaimed AFTER collapse of Liberal government in Spain to PREVENT return to monarchy favored by most of population.
EARLY REPUBLIC
	From the beginning the Mexican government was run by rival Freemason lodges. American-backed Yorkists were radicals who sought to weaken central government and create chaos so that Americans could confiscate Mexican territory. The Scottish rite 'conservatives' wanted to retain central control so they could pillage Mexican property and enrich themselves. Neither side had popular support.
1824	'Federal' Constitution of 1824 cedes much control to regional governments. Guadalupe Victoria elected President.
1827	Spanish peninsulares and prominent monarchists expelled from Mexico.
1829	With backing by 'Yorkists' (American-backed radical criminals), Vincente Guerrero, forces resignation of 'Scottish-Rite' (conventional-conservative criminals) president-elect and seizes control of government .
1829-33	Government in chaos, presidency changes hands nine times during second 4 year term.
1833	Santa Anna gains control of presidency, enacts 'Seven Laws' to strengthen central government.
1836	Texas declares independence, defeats Santa Anna at Battle of San Jacinto.
1846	Mexican American War provoked by border skirmishes. Americans win resounding victories.
1848	United States invades Mexican capital and forces Mexico cessession of northern provinces.
1849	Gold is discovered in California the same month territory ceded to U.S.A. Amazing coincidence!!!
'REFORM' ERA
	The 'Reform Era' began when Juan Alvarez, a military dictator and murderous thug marched with an army into Mexico city, terrorized the population, and physically took possession of the offices of Government. He installed his liberal cronies, passed radical measures dispossessing his rivals, and called a constitutional convention, under control of his puppet-masters. He then resigned in favor of Juarez, his hand-picked replacement.
1855	Juarez and Alvarez the organize 'Plan of Ayutla': a Liberal overthrow of Santa Anna's 'Conservative' government.
1857	Liberals enact 'Constitution of 1857' including controversial anti-clerical measures confiscating Church and common property.
1857-61	United States intervenes in 'War of Reform' on behalf of liberals.
1861	Benito Juarez elected President, cancels payment on national debt.
1862	French Intervention on behalf of conservatives, installs Maximilian I as Emperor of Mexico.
1867	Maximilian of Austria is tried for treason and shot. Juarez returns to power.
1876-1911	Reign of Porfirio Diaz; Mexico stable and at peace under autocratic leaders.
MEXICAN REVOLUTION
1910	Diaz legalizes political parties, allows opposition to run for President, then rigs election.
1911	Francisco Madero, backed by "Constitutionalist party" overthrows Diaz.
1913	Victoriana Huerta, leader of "Federalist party" and ally of Diaz assumes control of government.
1914	Carranza, constitutionalist leader, overthrows Huerta with help of U.S. Navy.
1917	Liberal constitution of 1917 is so anti-clerical, even Carranza refuses to enforce.
1924	Atheist Plutarco Calles elected president, brutally enforce anti-Clerical laws.
1926-29	Cristero War: Catholics revolt against brutal oppressions of priests and Church closings.
1929	Calles forms of PRI (Mexican National Party)

South America—1525 to 1921

Conquests of Pizarro to Early 20th Century

AD Year	Event
PERU, COLUMBIA, VENEZUELA
1532	Pizzaro and Almagro conquer Peru
1542	Bartholomew de Casas promotes better treatment of Native Americans
1572	Tupac Amaru leads the last Incan revolt against the Spaniards
1640	Dutch take control of Northern Brazil; Found Guyana
1697	Mayans defeated by the Spaniards
1767	Jesuits expelled from Latin America
1799	Humboldt explores Mexico and South America
1797-1814	Napoleonic Wars in Europe disrupt governments of Latin America
1811	Venezuela, led by Miranda, declares its independence from Spain
1812	Earthquake in Caracus destroys popular support for independence
1825	Bolivia declares its independence from Spain
ARGENTINA, CHILE
1580	Buenos Aires established as primary port on Pacific
1609	Jesuit "reductions" in Paraguay founded
1816	Argentina declares its independence
1818	Chile declares its independence
1822	San Martin and Bolivar meet in Guayaguil
1879-84	Chile defeats Peru and BOlivia in the War of the Pacific
1864-70	War of the Triple Alliance; Paraguay is defeated
BRAZIL
1500	Brazil discovered and claimed for Portugal by Cabral
1808	Monarchs of Portugal move their capital to Rio de Janiero
1816-31	Reign of Dom Pedro I of Brazil; Brazil declares independence in 1822
1840	Pedro II becames the head of a constitutional monarchy in Brazil
1889	Overthrow of Dom Pedro II by Brazilian military
CARIBBEAN
1804	Slave revolt in Haiti expells the Europeans