Silver
It began to decline after an influx of bullion (gold/silver) into the country after the discovery of the new world which caused inflation and wrecked spain's economy.
Spain became wealthy from the gold and silver found in the Americas, particularly in regions like Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. The influx of precious metals from these sources significantly boosted Spain's economy during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Many ships carrying gold, silver, and precious stones to Spain were lost.
Many ships carrying gold, silver, and precious stones to Spain were lost.
The conquest of the Americas significantly transformed Spain by dramatically increasing its wealth and power through the influx of precious metals, particularly gold and silver, which fueled the economy and funded military campaigns. This wealth helped establish Spain as a dominant global power in the 16th century, enabling it to expand its influence across Europe and beyond. However, the vast empire also strained resources and led to administrative challenges, internal conflicts, and ultimately contributed to Spain's decline in the subsequent centuries. Additionally, the conquest had profound social and cultural impacts, including the spread of Christianity and the exploitation and suffering of Indigenous populations.
The influx of silver from the New World did increase inflation rates from earlier periods. One result was that wages could no longer keep up with the cost of living increases, particularly for increasingly expensive foodstuffs
After the conquistadors brought galleons full of silver and gold from America to Spain, it led to a significant influx of wealth, which dramatically impacted the Spanish economy. This newfound wealth fueled inflation, known as the "Price Revolution," and caused economic instability. Additionally, the influx of precious metals enabled Spain to finance wars and expand its empire, but it also contributed to the decline of its economy in the long term, as reliance on gold and silver led to neglect of other sectors. The riches also intensified competition and conflict with other European powers seeking to capitalize on the wealth of the New World.
The discovery of new land in the 16th century significantly expanded Spain's territorial empire and enhanced its wealth through the acquisition of resources, particularly gold and silver from the Americas. This influx of riches bolstered Spain's economy and allowed it to become a dominant global power during the Age of Exploration. Additionally, it facilitated the spread of Spanish culture and Christianity, shaping the social and political landscape of the New World. Ultimately, these discoveries fueled rivalries with other European powers, leading to conflicts over territorial claims.
(Not me) I would say that Spain gained a fortune from the bounties from their colonization of the new world. After all, they controlled most of the southern half of what is now the United States, and also controlled the entirety of South America.
In the 16th century, Spain emerged as the richest and most powerful country due to its vast colonial empire, which included territories in the Americas, parts of Europe, and Asia. The influx of wealth from gold and silver mines, particularly in present-day Mexico and Peru, bolstered its economy and military strength. Additionally, Spain's dominance in trade and its formidable naval power allowed it to exert influence over global politics and economics during this period.
Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro significantly impacted Spain by leading the conquests of the Aztec and Inca empires, respectively. Their expeditions resulted in vast territorial gains and immense wealth for Spain through the acquisition of gold, silver, and resources from the Americas. This influx of riches fueled Spain's economy and solidified its status as a dominant global power during the Age of Exploration. Additionally, their actions contributed to the spread of Spanish culture and influence across the New World.
Spain's power began to decline because of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, influx in gold/silver income, much fighting over wealth and losing the battles, and not many colonies or vice-royalties to rely on for agricultural income.