- 1. The Spanish Habsburg dynasty, a pivotal royal lineage in European history, reigned over Spain and its vast empire from the early 16th century until the late 17th century, marking a period characterized by remarkable cultural achievements and expansive territorial conquests. Under the rule of Charles I (also known as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor), the dynasty saw Spain emerge as a dominant global power, controlling vast realms across Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia. This era, often referred to as the 'Golden Age,' was distinguished by flourishing arts, with luminaries such as El Greco and Cervantes contributing to a rich cultural milieu. However, the decline of Spanish power began to take shape in the latter half of the 17th century, precipitated by a series of costly military conflicts, including the Eighty Years' War with the Dutch Republic and the devastating Thirty Years' War. The kingdom's finances became increasingly strained, leading to a series of defaults on debts and economic malaise. Administrative inefficiencies, coupled with a stagnant social structure and a rigid aristocratic hierarchy, further hampered the state’s ability to adapt and modernize. Additionally, the loss of territories and the rise of rival powers, such as France and England, eroded Spain's influence on the global stage. By the time of the War of Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, the concept of Habsburg supremacy was fading, and Spain's decline was cemented, setting the stage for a significant shift in the balance of power in Europe that would resonate for centuries.
Who was the first Habsburg ruler of Spain?
A) Maximilian I
B) Charles I
C) Philip II
D) Ferdinand I
- 2. What was the major naval defeat suffered by Spain in 1588?
A) Battle of Trafalgar
B) Battle of Malplaquet
C) The Spanish Armada
D) Battle of Lepanto
- 3. Which war drained Spanish resources during the 17th century?
A) The War of Spanish Succession
B) The War of the Spanish-American
C) The Thirty Years' War
D) The Napoleonic Wars
- 4. Which event is often seen as the beginning of the decline of Spanish power?
A) The death of Philip II
B) The accession of Charles II
C) The defeat of the Armada
D) The signing of the Treaty of Utrecht
- 5. Who was the last Habsburg king of Spain?
A) Philip IV
B) Charles I
C) Philip III
D) Charles II
- 6. In what year did Charles II die, leading to the War of Spanish Succession?
A) 1680
B) 1700
C) 1699
D) 1715
- 7. Which treaty ended the War of Spanish Succession?
A) Treaty of Nijmegen
B) Treaty of Versailles
C) Treaty of Paris
D) Treaty of Utrecht
- 8. Which famous painting style flourished during the Spanish Habsburgs' reign?
A) Impressionism
B) Surrealism
C) Renaissance
D) Baroque
- 9. What territory did Spain lose to Great Britain in 1713?
A) Gibraltar
B) Florida
C) Cuba
D) Philippines
- 10. Which territory was lost by Spain as a result of the Seven Years' War?
A) Philippines
B) Florida
C) Puerto Rico
D) Cuba
- 11. Which political structure characterized Spain during the Habsburg dynasty?
A) Monarchy
B) Federalism
C) Democracy
D) Feudalism
- 12. What was the main dynasty that ruled Spain from the early 16th century until the early 18th century?
A) Medici dynasty
B) Bourbon dynasty
C) Habsburg dynasty
D) Romanov dynasty
- 13. What caused the decline in Spanish naval power?
A) Overexpansion of the fleet
B) Increased piracy
C) Introduction of new naval technologies
D) Lack of funding
- 14. Which artistic work is associated with Diego Velázquez?
A) The Starry Night
B) The Garden of Earthly Delights
C) The Last Supper
D) Las Meninas
- 15. What economic issue greatly affected Spain in the 17th century?
A) Hyperinflation
B) Deflation
C) Inflation
D) Stagnation
- 16. Which event symbolized the weakening of Spain in 1640?
A) The Glorious Revolution
B) The American Revolution
C) Catalan Revolt
D) The Spanish Civil War
- 17. Which product was a significant source of wealth for Spain in the Americas?
A) Cotton
B) Gold
C) Silver
D) Sugar
- 18. What led to internal strife in Spain during the Habsburg dynasty?
A) Cultural homogeneity
B) Religious conflict
C) Ideological unity
D) Economic prosperity
- 19. Which famous novel reflects the decline of Spanish power?
A) Don Quixote
B) The Count of Monte Cristo
C) War and Peace
D) Moby Dick
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