La Historia de España A general outline of important events in the history of Spain. http://www.timeforkids.com/destination/spain
Question? As you learn about Spanish history, reflect upon this question: Is it better to be the conqueror or the conquered?
206 B.C. Hispania becomes part of the Roman Empire. Rome rules it for 500 years. They bring their knowledge of building and architecture to the Iberian Peninsula. Many of these buildings are still in use today.
Roman Provinces in Spain
Aqueducts
Aqueducts
Roman Houses
Roman Theater
Roman Bridges
711 A.D. Muslims from North Africa (Moors) take control. They greatly influence art and architecture. They are in control for nearly 700 years. They are never ever able to cross the Pyrenees mountains to enter into the rest of Europe. The south of España is most heavily influenced by the Moors.
La Alhambra The largest Moorish fortress and palace in España. It is located in the southern city of Granada.
La Alhambra Gardens
Geometry
Turn and Talk Turn and talk to someone around you. What have you learned about the two groups of people that conquered the Iberian peninsula before the 1400s?
1469 A.D. King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella marry, uniting the Christian portions of Spain. They are able to push out the Moors from all over Spain. They demand that any Muslims and Jews remaining in Spain must convert to Catholicism. They then lead the Inquisition where many Muslims, and Jews are tortured and killed for not converting.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
1492-1502 Christopher Columbus arrives in the New World, beginning an era of exploration and conquest. Roman Catholicism is established as Spain s state religion. Within 10 years, most Jews and Muslims are forced to convert or leave.
The King and Queen fund Columbus s First trip.
Christopher Columbus lands in the new world.
Columbus returns after his first voyage.
1588 British forces defeat the Spanish Armada, or navy. Spain is no longer a sea power. This defeat begins the decline of the golden age of Spain. It begins the golden age in England.
Turn and Talk: Summarize Turn to your partner and discuss what has happened from 1469-1588. Summarize it in 2-3 Sentences.
1605 Miguel de Cervantes writes Don Quixote. It is considered the first modern novel. A very famous novel about an old knight who believes he is on a quest and fighting imaginary creatures.
Famous windmills of La Mancha
1811-1898 Venezuela declares its independence from Spain. Soon, other colonies claim their independence. After losing the Spanish American War to the U.S. in 1898, Spain gives up control of Cuba, the Philippines and other possessions.
1931-1936 King Alfonso XIII is forced out. Spain becomes a republic. Five years later, the country is plunged into civil war. Thousands died and many cities were destroyed from the air plane strikes ordered by General Franco.
1939-1975 General Francisco Franco emerges as the war s victor. He rules as a dictator until his death in 1975. Because of the Civil War, General Franco is able to convince Hitler to stay out of Spain during World War II. They were friendly. In 1975, Juan Carlos de Borbon is named king, and Spain becomes a constitutional monarchy.
Turn and Talk Turn to your partner and discuss what has happened from 1811-1975. Write one thing you learned about this time period.
1992 The summer Olympic Games are held in Barcelona. The 500th anniversary of Columbus voyage to America is celebrated around the country.
Reflect Make a connection to the Olympics. What Olympic sport would you play if you could and why?
2004 A series of explosions at a train station in Madrid leaves 191 people dead and 1,460 wounded.
Honoring the Victims of the Train attack.
2006 A Basque terrorist group, ETA, agrees to lay down its arms and work toward independence through diplomatic means. They have been attacking various parts of Spain for decades prior to the cease fire.
2008 In April, Prime Minister Zapatero reveals his new Cabinet. For the first time ever, there are more women than men serving in the Cabinet.
2010 Spain becomes President of the European Union. They also have one of the worst economies of Europe with a 25% unemployment rate.
Spanish Royal Family
El Fin Now that you have explored a very brief history of Spain, turn to a partner and discuss this question. What time period would you live in and why? Take some time and reflect on it. Now write a brief paragraph answering the question. Make sure you have three solid points of discussion in your paragraph.