Changes

In the late 18th century Spain at last attempted to reform the administration of its colonies. Some progress was made, but the improvements also stimulated a demand for more autonomy and even independence on the part of the creoles (people of Spanish descent born in the colonies).

In the late 18th century Spain at last attempted to reform the administration of its colonies. Some progress was made, but the improvements also stimulated a demand for more autonomy and even independence on the part of the creoles (people of Spanish descent born in the colonies).

==19th century==

==19th century==

Spain had built a large empire, primarily in South America and Central America; most of the colonies revolted about 1820, and the remainder were lost in 1898. Historians explain the collapse on an anticolonial, national consciousness among Creoles; peninsular misrule and economic mismanagement; and the seismic effects of geopolitical upheaval, particularly the Napoleonic occupation of Spain.<ref> Gabriel Paquette, "The Dissolution of the Spanish Atlantic Monarchy". ''Historical Journal'' 2009 52(1): 175-212 </ref>

Spain had built a large empire, primarily in South America and Central America; most of the colonies revolted about 1820, and many of the remainder were lost in 1898. Historians explain the collapse on an anticolonial, national consciousness among Creoles; peninsular misrule and economic mismanagement; and the seismic effects of geopolitical upheaval, particularly the Napoleonic occupation of Spain.<ref> Gabriel Paquette, "The Dissolution of the Spanish Atlantic Monarchy". ''Historical Journal'' 2009 52(1): 175-212 </ref>

Internally, Spain was in turmoil, with three wars over the succession issue; the brief ousting of the monarchy and establishment of the First Republic (1873-74); and, finally, the [[Spanish-American War]] of 1898, in which Spain lost [[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]], and the [[Philippines]] to the United States.  

Internally, Spain was in turmoil, with three wars over the succession issue; the Carlist Wars that pitted conservative against liberal and led to the brief ousting of the monarchy and establishment of the First Republic (1873-74); and, finally, the [[Spanish-American War]] of 1898, in which Spain lost [[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]], and the [[Philippines]] to the United States.

==20th century==

==20th century==