Charles of Habsburg succeeds to Spanish throne after death of Ferdinand II
Government
1516
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V grants approval for slave trade
Trade
1518
Revolt of the Comuneros--Castile communities rebel against heavy taxation
War
1520
Philip II establishes royal capital in Madrid
Government
1561
The Council of Trent takes 18 years to define counter-reformation church doctrine
Religion
1563
Dutch rebels defeat Spanish force at Heiligerlee, giving hope for independence
War
1568
Ottoman navy defeated at Battle of Lepanto in the last battle of oared galleys
War
1571
Sebastiao, king of Portugal, dies in foolish crusade of the kingdom of Morocco
War
1578
7 northern provinces of Netherlands sign Union of Utrecht declaring independence
Government
1579
Spain wins Battle of Alcantara and takes control of Portugal
War
1580
Invading Spanish Armada defeated by English navy
War
1588
Death of Philip II, Spanish Emperor and champion of Counter-Reformation
Government
1598
Moriscos (Muslims who converted to Catholicism) are expelled from Spain
Religion
1609
Catalan Republic under French protection is declared
Peace
1640
Battle of the Dunes
War
1658
Treaty of Karlowitz--first major Ottoman reversal
Peace
1699