Golden Age of Spain
The Golden Age of Spain dawned late in the fifteenth century. ... Under the leadership of the “Catholic Kings,” Ferdinand and Isabella, the Reconquista (the defeat and expulsion from Spain of the Moors) became a reality in 1492. ... A new age of discovery had begun, and Spain benefited greatly. Through her new lands and subjects and her military prowess, Spain firmly established itself as a world power. Charles V became king of Spain in 1516, and under his rule Spain continued to prosper. The new sources of trade gave her great riches, and the gold that poured into the country literally made it a Golden Age. Under Philip II, Spain’s Golden Age reached its height as it had a Spanish ruler who spent his working life in Spain.