In the three centuries of the Empire's existence Spain imposed its language, its faith, and many elements of its culture on much of the New World. Millions perished and ancient empires were destroyed, but more than 300 million people speak Spanish today, and the fusion of Spanish and indigenous elements has created a vibrant and expanding culture. The author describes the rise and fall of this Spanish Empire giving particular emphasis to its economy and institutions and the cultural and intellectual movements that formed them. Concise and readable, this book introduces students and the general reader to one of the most important and dramatic episodes in world history. - Back cover.

Imperial beginnings -- The creation of an empire in Europe -- The conquest of America -- Imperial organization under the Hapsburgs -- Imperial policy -- Imperial decline -- The Bourbons -- The end of the empire.