The Habsburg brothers (Charles and Ferdinand), were large patrons of the arts in Spain. Under their rule art, theatre, and poetry flourished. They created an environment that promoted the development of art and literature, pushing Spanish culture towards creative and stylistic ways of life. People living during this time period experienced a society embedded with art, poetry and theatre.

El Greco was an extremely influential artist during the 16th century. His works were inspired from the Italian Renaissance, and shared many of the same qualities/ideas. His style of painting developed into a popular model for Spanish art, and shaped the future of Spanish arts. An example of his work would be "The Adoration of the Shepherds", painted in the last year of Greco's life.

During the Age of Exploration, two of the world's most influential empires were constantly waging a battle involving the New World (Portugal and Spain). With new and improved navigation and naval technologies, it became more and more possible for certain expeditions to take place; for example, sailing around the tip of Africa, sailing from West to East, and eliminating the "middle man" when trading with Africa. The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) allowed for the new word to be "split" between Spain and Portugal, relieving the building tension that, in some ways, hindered the explorers from accomplishing the most that they could. By forming this treaty, the futures of Spanish and Portuguese expansion was pointed in certain directions based on the sections of land designated to the empires.

The Treaty of Paris 1763 created peaceful terms amongst the British, French and Spanish, with the Portuguese in agreement. This treaty was generated after England won the 7 Years War. Through this treaty, resourceful political ties were composed between three strong nations, and it settled the disputes between the Spanish and British and between the British and French. It also divided up some land such as North America to Britain, territories East of the Mississippi to France, and Cuba and Florida to Spain (further expanding all three empires).

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During the reign of King Philip ll, the Spanish empire flourished under a "Golden Age". However, Philip quickly created financial problems for Spain by taxing the poor even more heavily than he already was, and through his frivolous and exorbitant spending (including the expenses put towards the Spanish Armada, a failure for Spain). King Philip's endeavors caused Spain to announce its official bankruptcy in 1596 (8 years after his death), seriously inhibiting the opportunities for future of the country. This article helps to show the economic surpluses and shortages throughout Spanish history, and how the decisions of certain rulers can impact a country for years and years to come.

Built between 1525 and 1577, the Segovia Cathedral is known for its elaborate design and detail. The Segovia Cathedral includes a Latin cross, a massive apse, a huge bell tower, and a central cupola. Being designed during the Spanish Renaissance, it involves ideas and was heavily influenced by Italian and Roman ideas. Also, the Cathedral was built when "Plateresque" (an artistic movement incorporating Gothic styles) was popular in Spain. This artistic movement was generally kept within Spain itself, and did not impact surrounding empires.

After the death of the last Habsburg ruler, there was conflict throughout Spain of whether or not Louis XIV should be able to take the throne. The end of the Habsburg dynasty was a troubling time for many Spanish people, as the comfort given to them through familiarity and tradition disappeared, along with some trade links destroyed with the death of Charles II.

Tin-glazed pottery was a common form of pottery in 16th century Spain, meant to imitate the shiny white glaze of Chinese Porcelain.