Spanish Empire (Imperio español) (jan 1, 1492 – jan 1, 1976)

Description:

The Spanish Empire (Spanish: Imperio Español; Latin: Imperium Hispanicum), historically known as the Hispanic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Hispánica) as the Catholic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Católica) or as the Universal Catholic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Católica Universal) was composed of kingdoms, vice-royalties, provinces and other territories ruled or administered by Spain and its predecessor states between 1492 and 1976. One of the largest empires in history, Spain controlled a huge overseas territory from the late 15th century to the early 19th century in the Americas, the archipelago in the modern-day Philippines (which they called "The Indies" (Spanish: Las Indias)) and territories in Europe, Africa and Oceania. It was one of the most powerful empires of the Early Modern Period. The Spanish Empire became known as "the empire on which the sun never sets" and reached its maximum extent in the 18th century.