Question

What accounted for the drop of Spain's importance as a commercial power in the seventeenth century?

Answer 1

The drop in Spain's importance as a commercial power in the seventeenth century can be attributed to competition from Protestant nations, weakening grip on its colonies, and the rise of rival European powers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drop in Spain's importance as a commercial power in the seventeenth century can be attributed to several factors:

1. Competition from Protestant nations: England and the Dutch Republic posed a significant challenge to Spain's imperial supremacy. These nations, along with Catholic France, engaged in imperial rivalries in the Atlantic World, which weakened Spain's control over smaller Caribbean islands.
2. Weakening grip on colonies: The colonists in Spain's American empire began to assert their independence and govern themselves. Spain's politico-economic control over its colonies weakened as its militarized response proved ineffective.
3. Rise of rival European powers: England, France, and the Dutch Republic established their own colonies in the Americas, challenging Spain's supremacy. While these colonies couldn't match Spain's wealth in gold and silver, they established claims and thrived through fur trade and alliances with native peoples, contributing to the shift in global power balances.