Decline of the Spanish Monarchy

Spain began it’s decline at the beginning of the seventeenth century. There were many factors and decisions that were made that contributed to it’s fall. Spain lost a huge part of it’s middle class population because of the expulsion of the Moors and Jews. The population loss also added to the major shift in the economy. The other factor involving the population decrease was the changing weather patterns, which brought agricultural crisis, …

…also, there was less for Spain, and this led to a decline in power. With the loss of resources came the loss of power and control. War, battles, and various conflicts also played an important role in the decline of Spain. Olivares led the country into the Thirty Years’ War. They also became involved in a long battle with France over Mantua in 1628. Spain ultimately lacked the resources needed for war: finances, manpower, and leadership.