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Habsburg Spain Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Habsburg Spain: An Overview - Key Events, Rulers, and Impacts of the Habsburg Dynasty

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Habsburg Spain: An Overview - Key Events, Rulers, and Impacts of the Habsburg Dynasty Study Guide

The Foundation of Habsburg Spain (1516-1556)

The historical designation 'Habsburg Spain' pertains to the period from 1516 to 1700, during which the House of Bourbon governed Spain and its associated territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually inaccurate. The period from 1516 to 1700 is defined by the rule of the House of Habsburg over Spain. The House of Bourbon ascended to the Spanish throne following the War of the Spanish Succession.

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The House of Habsburg gained control of Spain through military conquest in the early 16th century and was commonly known as the 'House of Aragon' within Spain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The House of Habsburg acquired control of Spain primarily through dynastic inheritance and marriage, specifically via the union of the crowns of Castile and Aragon. They were known in Spain as the 'Casa de Austria,' not the 'House of Aragon.'

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The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469 led to the immediate and complete political unification of Spain under a single crown.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the marriage of Isabella I and Ferdinand II united the crowns of Castile and Aragon, it represented a de facto union rather than immediate and complete political unification. The process of consolidation continued over subsequent decades.

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Pope Alexander VI granted Isabella I and Ferdinand II the title 'Most Catholic Majesties' in recognition of their military victories against the Ottoman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pope Alexander VI bestowed the title 'Catholic Monarchs' upon Isabella I and Ferdinand II in 1494, primarily in recognition of their role in the Reconquista and the consolidation of Christian rule in Iberia, not specifically for victories against the Ottoman Empire.

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Charles V became the most powerful ruler in Christendom solely through his inheritance of the Spanish Empire, without being elected to any other significant title.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles V's immense power stemmed not only from inheriting the Spanish Empire but also from his election as Holy Roman Emperor and his control over vast Habsburg territories in Central Europe.

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The Sack of Rome in 1527, orchestrated by Pope Clement VII, was intended to weaken Emperor Charles V's influence in Italy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sack of Rome in 1527 was carried out by the mutinous troops of Emperor Charles V, not orchestrated by Pope Clement VII. The event significantly impacted the Pope's political standing and relationship with the Emperor.

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The Protestant Reformation had minimal impact on Charles V's policies, allowing him to focus solely on consolidating power within the Holy Roman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Protestant Reformation profoundly impacted Charles V's reign, compelling him to engage in extensive political and military efforts to maintain religious and political unity within the Holy Roman Empire, often diverting his attention from other imperial concerns.

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Habsburg Spain refers to the period when Spain was ruled by which dynasty?

Answer: The House of Habsburg, ruling from 1516 to 1700.

Explanation: The period designated as Habsburg Spain corresponds to the era from 1516 to 1700, during which the Spanish Monarchy was governed by monarchs belonging to the House of Habsburg.

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Which of the following was NOT a major territory included in the Spanish Empire under Habsburg rule?

Answer: The Holy Roman Empire

Explanation: While Charles V held the title of Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Empire itself was a distinct political entity and not directly incorporated as a territory of the Spanish Empire in the same manner as the Low Countries, Portugal, or the Philippines.

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How did the House of Habsburg primarily come to rule Spain, and what was their common name in Spain?

Answer: Through inheritance via marriage; known as the 'Casa de Austria'.

Explanation: The House of Habsburg came to rule Spain through the inheritance of Charles I (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor), whose mother Joanna was the daughter of Isabella I and Ferdinand II. Within Spain, the dynasty was commonly referred to as the 'Casa de Austria'.

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What was the primary significance of the marriage between Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon?

Answer: It united the crowns of Castile and Aragon, a key step towards Spanish unification.

Explanation: The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469 united their respective crowns, creating a dynastic union that was a crucial precursor to the eventual political unification of Spain.

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What title did Pope Alexander VI bestow upon Isabella I and Ferdinand II in 1494?

Answer: Catholic Monarchs of Spain

Explanation: In 1494, Pope Alexander VI granted Isabella I and Ferdinand II the title of 'Catholic Monarchs of Spain' (Reges Catholicissimi) in recognition of their Catholic faith and their role in consolidating Christian rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Charles V became the most powerful ruler in Christendom due to:

Answer: Inheriting the Spanish Empire, Habsburg Netherlands, German territories, and being elected Holy Roman Emperor.

Explanation: Charles V's unparalleled power derived from his vast inheritance, which included the Spanish Empire, the Habsburg lands in Central Europe, and the Low Countries, augmented by his election as Holy Roman Emperor.

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What was the immediate consequence of the Sack of Rome in 1527 for Pope Clement VII?

Answer: He became more cautious in his dealings with secular rulers like Charles V.

Explanation: Following the devastating Sack of Rome in 1527 by Charles V's troops, Pope Clement VII found himself in a precarious position, leading him to adopt a more cautious diplomatic approach towards secular powers, particularly the Emperor.

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How did the Protestant Reformation influence Charles V's reign?

Answer: It forced him to seek stability within the Holy Roman Empire, leading to conflicts and the Peace of Augsburg.

Explanation: The Protestant Reformation presented a major challenge to Charles V's authority and the religious unity of the Holy Roman Empire, necessitating prolonged conflicts and ultimately contributing to the Peace of Augsburg (1555), which established the principle of 'cuius regio, eius religio'.

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The Global Spanish Empire (c. 1556-1640)

The territorial extent of the Spanish Empire under Habsburg rule was confined predominantly to the Iberian Peninsula and adjacent European territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this assertion, the Spanish Empire under Habsburg rule encompassed vast global territories, including extensive domains in the Americas, the Philippines, and significant European possessions beyond the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Low Countries and Italian states.

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The Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559 marked a significant defeat for Spain, resulting in the loss of its Italian territories to France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559 concluded the Italian Wars and largely confirmed Spain's dominance in Italy, rather than marking a defeat and loss of territories to France.

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The Battle of Lepanto in 1571 resulted in the complete destruction of the Ottoman naval power in the Mediterranean for the remainder of the century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Lepanto in 1571 was a decisive victory for the Holy League against the Ottoman navy, significantly curbing Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean. However, it did not result in the complete destruction of Ottoman naval power, as they were able to rebuild their fleet.

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The Iberian Union (1580–1640) saw Portugal completely absorbed into Spain, losing all vestiges of its autonomy and colonial empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Iberian Union, Portugal retained a degree of autonomy, including its own administration and laws, although it became part of the Spanish Monarchy and shared in its foreign policy and conflicts. It did not lose all vestiges of its autonomy.

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The Spanish Armada, launched in 1588, successfully invaded England and installed a Spanish-backed monarch on the English throne.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Spanish Armada's invasion attempt in 1588 failed due to a combination of English naval tactics, adverse weather conditions, and logistical challenges. It did not result in the successful invasion or the installation of a Spanish-backed monarch.

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Spain's vast empire was administered through a highly centralized system with direct oversight from Madrid, ensuring uniform policies across all territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: The administration of Spain's vast empire was complex and often decentralized, characterized by viceroyalties and regional councils. Direct oversight from Madrid was frequently challenged by distance, communication limitations, and the need for local adaptation, leading to varied policies across territories.

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The primary goal of the Legazpi expedition in 1564 was to establish Spanish dominance over the Ottoman Empire's trade routes in the Mediterranean.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Legazpi expedition in 1564 aimed to establish a Spanish presence and trade route in the Pacific, specifically seeking the Spice Islands, as a means to circumvent Ottoman control over traditional Eurasian trade routes.

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The 'Spanish Road' was a maritime trade route established between Spain and its colonies in the Americas to facilitate the transport of goods.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Spanish Road' (Camino Español) was a crucial overland military supply route connecting Spanish territories in Italy with the Spanish Netherlands, vital for troop and supply movement, not a maritime trade route to the Americas.

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What was the main outcome for Spain following the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559?

Answer: Spain's territorial claims in Italy were permanently recognized, strengthening its position.

Explanation: The Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis (1559) concluded the Italian Wars and largely affirmed Spain's hegemony in Italy, solidifying its territorial claims and enhancing its position as the dominant power in the region.

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What was the primary strategic significance of the Christian fleet's victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571?

Answer: It curbed the Ottoman naval threat in the Mediterranean.

Explanation: The Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto (1571) significantly checked the expansionist naval power of the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean, providing a crucial strategic advantage to European powers.

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During the Iberian Union (1580–1640), Portugal:

Answer: Retained some autonomy but became part of the Spanish colonial empire and faced Spain's enemies.

Explanation: Under the Iberian Union, Portugal maintained its distinct administrative structures and laws but was integrated into the Spanish Monarchy, sharing its foreign policy and consequently becoming involved in Spain's conflicts, notably against the Dutch.

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What was the primary objective of the Spanish Armada in 1588?

Answer: To ferry the Army of Flanders to England for an invasion.

Explanation: The principal objective of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was to escort the veteran Army of Flanders from the Spanish Netherlands across the English Channel to invade England, thereby deposing Queen Elizabeth I.

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Which factor posed a significant challenge to the administration of Spain's vast empire?

Answer: Lack of communication technology, leading to vast distances and lack of direct oversight.

Explanation: The immense geographical scale of the Spanish Empire, coupled with rudimentary communication technologies, presented a fundamental challenge to effective administration, often resulting in delayed information and limited direct oversight from the metropole.

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What was the main objective of the Legazpi expedition in 1564?

Answer: To establish a trade route to the Spice Islands.

Explanation: The Legazpi expedition, launched in 1564, was primarily tasked with finding a westward route to the Spice Islands (Moluccas) and establishing a Spanish presence there for trade.

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The 'Spanish Road' (Camino Español) served what crucial strategic purpose during the Habsburg period?

Answer: Connecting Spanish territories in Italy with the Spanish Netherlands for military supply.

Explanation: The Spanish Road was a vital overland route that enabled the movement of troops and supplies between Spanish possessions in Italy and the Spanish Netherlands, proving critical for military operations in the Eighty Years' War.

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Warfare and Diplomacy in Habsburg Europe (c. 1600-1659)

The Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) was primarily a religious conflict between Spain and the Papacy over the control of church lands.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eighty Years' War was primarily a conflict between the Spanish Habsburgs and the rebellious Dutch provinces seeking independence, driven by political and religious grievances, not solely a conflict with the Papacy over church lands.

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The 'Spanish Fury' during the Eighty Years' War was a diplomatic negotiation tactic used by Spanish generals to intimidate Dutch leaders.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Spanish Fury' refers to periods of intense violence, looting, and destruction carried out by unpaid Spanish troops in Dutch cities during the Eighty Years' War. It was a manifestation of military breakdown and brutality, not a diplomatic tactic.

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Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, successfully reformed Spain's economy and secured lasting peace by ending all major conflicts during Philip IV's reign.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Olivares recognized the need for reform and attempted to strengthen Spain, his policies were often hampered by ongoing conflicts and economic difficulties. Spain did not secure lasting peace, and significant economic challenges persisted throughout Philip IV's reign.

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The Battle of Rocroi in 1643 marked a significant Spanish victory that reasserted their dominance over France in European power struggles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Rocroi in 1643 was a decisive defeat for the Spanish Army of Flanders against the French forces, symbolizing the decline of Spanish military supremacy and the rise of French power in Europe.

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Spain experienced internal stability and unity during the mid-17th century, with no significant revolts challenging the crown.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mid-17th century was marked by significant internal unrest in Spain, including major revolts such as the Catalan Revolt and the Portuguese Restoration War, which challenged the authority of the crown.

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The Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) was primarily a conflict between the Spanish Habsburgs and:

Answer: The rebellious Dutch provinces seeking independence.

Explanation: The Eighty Years' War was fundamentally a struggle for independence waged by the Dutch provinces against the rule of the Spanish Habsburgs, fueled by grievances related to taxation, religion, and political autonomy.

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The term 'Spanish Fury' during the Eighty Years' War refers to:

Answer: Massacres, looting, and destruction carried out by Spanish troops in Dutch cities.

Explanation: The 'Spanish Fury' denotes episodes of extreme violence, including widespread looting and destruction, perpetrated by Spanish soldiers in various Dutch cities during the Eighty Years' War, often occurring when troops were unpaid.

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Which of the following was a major challenge faced by the Count-Duke of Olivares during his attempts to reform Spain?

Answer: The collapse of the Castilian economy and the outbreak of war.

Explanation: Olivares faced formidable challenges, including the severe economic downturn in Castile by 1627 and the escalating costs of Spain's continuous involvement in major European conflicts, which undermined reform efforts.

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The Battle of Rocroi in 1643 is considered significant because it:

Answer: Symbolized the decline of Spanish military power and the rise of France.

Explanation: The Battle of Rocroi (1643) represented a pivotal moment, signifying the waning military dominance of Spain and the ascendance of France as the preeminent continental power.

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Which of the following were major revolts that occurred in Spain during the mid-17th century?

Answer: The Catalan Revolt and the Portuguese Restoration War.

Explanation: During the mid-17th century, the Spanish Monarchy faced significant internal challenges, notably the Catalan Revolt (1640-1659) and the Portuguese Restoration War (initiated in 1640), which sought to regain Portuguese independence.

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Economic Realities and Social Structures

The conquest of the Aztec and Inca Empires brought immense wealth in silver and gold to Spain, which solely improved the nation's economy without negative consequences.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the conquest of the Aztec and Inca Empires yielded vast quantities of precious metals, this influx contributed significantly to inflation and economic instability in Spain, alongside other negative consequences, rather than solely improving the economy.

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The Spanish Inquisition was abolished shortly after its inception by the Catholic Monarchs and played no significant role during the Habsburg period.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Spanish Inquisition was not abolished shortly after its inception; rather, it continued to operate and play a significant role throughout the Habsburg period, particularly under Philip II, focusing on enforcing religious orthodoxy and suppressing dissent.

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The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 significantly boosted Spain's agricultural output and strengthened its economy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 led to a significant loss of skilled labor and agricultural productivity in certain regions of Spain, particularly in the Kingdom of Valencia, thereby weakening rather than strengthening the economy.

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The 'Royal fifth' tax was a voluntary contribution collected from merchants in Seville to fund cultural projects during the Habsburg period.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Royal fifth' (Quinto Real) was a mandatory tax, representing one-fifth of the precious metals extracted from the Americas, collected by the Spanish crown to fund state expenses, including wars and administration, not primarily cultural projects.

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Inflation during the Habsburg period was primarily caused by a decrease in the supply of precious metals from the New World, leading to deflation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Inflation during the Habsburg period, often termed the 'price revolution,' was largely driven by the massive influx of silver and gold from the New World, which increased the money supply, rather than a decrease in supply.

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Spain's enclosure movement led to increased food production and greater self-sufficiency in agriculture throughout the country.

Answer: False

Explanation: While enclosure movements can consolidate land, in Spain, they often led to the displacement of rural populations and, in some instances, stifled food production by prioritizing less labor-intensive uses of land, contributing to reliance on imports rather than self-sufficiency.

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The vast influx of silver and gold from the Aztec and Inca Empires primarily led to which economic issue in Spain?

Answer: Inflation and a growing dependence on foreign imports.

Explanation: The massive inflow of precious metals from the Americas fueled significant inflation in Spain, a phenomenon known as the price revolution, which eroded purchasing power and increased reliance on imported goods.

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Under the Habsburgs, the Spanish Inquisition's role primarily involved:

Answer: Enforcing church orthodoxy, censoring books, and combating Protestantism.

Explanation: The Spanish Inquisition's primary functions during the Habsburg era included maintaining religious uniformity, censoring publications deemed heretical or dangerous, and actively prosecuting perceived deviations from Catholic doctrine, particularly targeting Protestantism.

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What was a significant economic consequence of the 'Expulsion of the Moriscos' in 1609?

Answer: It resulted in the loss of skilled labor and agricultural productivity in certain regions.

Explanation: The expulsion of the Moriscos represented a substantial demographic and economic loss for Spain, particularly in regions like Valencia, due to the departure of a population that contributed significantly to agriculture and skilled crafts.

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What were the primary drivers of inflation in Spain during the Habsburg period, often referred to as the 'price revolution'?

Answer: State debt and the massive influx of silver and gold from the New World.

Explanation: Inflation during the Habsburg era was significantly fueled by the Crown's substantial state debt and the immense quantities of silver and gold imported from the Americas, which increased the money supply.

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How did the enclosure movement in Spain impact the country's agricultural sector and population?

Answer: It consolidated land, often stifling food production and displacing rural populations.

Explanation: Enclosure movements in Spain involved the consolidation of landholdings, which could lead to reduced food production and the displacement of rural inhabitants, contributing to urban growth and associated social pressures.

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Culture and Intellectual Currents

The School of Salamanca was a military academy focused on training officers for the Spanish army during the Habsburg era.

Answer: False

Explanation: The School of Salamanca was a prominent center of intellectual activity during the Habsburg period, renowned for its contributions to theology, law, and economic thought, particularly within the framework of the Counter-Reformation, rather than being a military academy.

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The Spanish Golden Age, known for its flourishing arts and literature, primarily occurred during the early 16th century under Charles V.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro), a period of significant artistic and literary achievement, primarily flourished from the late 16th century through the mid-17th century, extending well beyond Charles V's reign and encompassing the period under Philip II and his successors.

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The School of Salamanca during the Habsburg period is best described as:

Answer: A center for developing counter-Reformation theology and economic thought.

Explanation: The School of Salamanca was a distinguished intellectual movement associated with the University of Salamanca, characterized by its significant contributions to scholastic theology, natural law, and early economic theory, particularly within the context of the Counter-Reformation.

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Which of the following figures is NOT associated with the Spanish Golden Age of arts and letters?

Answer: Leonardo da Vinci

Explanation: Leonardo da Vinci was a prominent figure of the Italian Renaissance, preceding and contemporary with the early stages of the Spanish Golden Age. Figures like Cervantes, Velázquez, and El Greco are central to the Spanish Golden Age.

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The Later Habsburgs and Dynastic Transition (c. 1640-1700)

The War of the Spanish Succession ended with the Habsburg dynasty retaining the Spanish throne, but losing control over its Italian territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: The War of the Spanish Succession concluded with the Bourbon dynasty, represented by Philip V, ascending to the Spanish throne, thus ending the Habsburg rule in Spain. While Spain did lose some Italian territories, the primary outcome was the dynastic change.

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What was the primary outcome of the War of the Spanish Succession regarding the ruling dynasty of Spain?

Answer: The Bourbon dynasty, represented by Philip V, took the Spanish throne.

Explanation: The War of the Spanish Succession concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht and other related treaties, which recognized Philip V of the House of Bourbon as the King of Spain, thereby ending centuries of Habsburg rule.

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