Spain 1474-1598

<p>The rise of Spain from obscurity to the position of one of Europe's greatest powers is centrally important in the history of Western Europe in the sixteenth century. <em>Spain 1474–1598</em> explores key themes including the unification of Spain and the domestic and foreign policies of each of the monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, Charles V and Philip II. This book also examines whether the sixteenth century was a 'golden century' for Spain culturally with its art and literature, as well as its society and economy.</p> List of illustrations, Series preface, Acknowledgements, Simplified family tree of the ruling families in Spain, 1474-1598, Map 1 Kingdoms and Provinces of the Iberian Peninsula, 1474, 1. Spain at the time of its 'unification', 2. The domestic policies of Ferdinand and Isabella, 3. How successful were the foreign policies of Ferdinand and Isabella?, 4. Charles I as ruler of Spain, 5. Foreign affairs during the reign of Charles I, 6. What problems confronted Philip II in his government of Spain?, 7. The successes and failures of Philip II's foreign policy, 8. Was the sixteenth century 'a golden century' for Spain?, Notes, Select bibliography, Index