1. War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1715):
- The death of King Charles II without an heir triggered the war of succession between the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, which resulted in the Bourbon Philip V becoming king.
- The war weakened Spain's military, economy, and political stability.
2. Loss of Territory and Empire:
- Spain's vast empire faced challenges and uprisings in various regions, leading to the loss of territories such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and parts of Italy and the Americas.
3. Economic Decline:
- The country's over-reliance on its colonies for resources and wealth left Spain vulnerable to changes in global trade and economy.
- Excessive spending and poor economic management contributed to internal economic issues.
4. Decline of the Spanish Armada:
- Once a formidable naval force, the Spanish Armada declined due to inadequate maintenance, lack of naval innovation, and defeats in naval battles.
5. Inquisition and Expulsion of Jews and Muslims:
- Spain's religious persecution and expulsion of Jews and Muslims in 1492 and 1609 respectively, resulted in the loss of skilled individuals, trade networks, and valuable expertise.
6. Agricultural and Industrial Backwardness:
- Compared to other European countries, Spain lagged behind in agricultural and industrial development and could not keep pace with technological advancements.
7. Administrative Inefficiency:
- The centralized bureaucracy was ineffective, plagued by corruption, and failed to address the needs of the growing population.
8. Lack of Technological Innovation:
- Spain's educational institutions often focused more on religious studies than scientific and technical disciplines, leading to a lack of innovation in various fields.
9. Decline of Colonial Trade:
- The emergence of other European powers challenged Spain's monopoly over trade routes and colonization, resulting in reduced revenue and economic diversification.
10. Impact of Inflation:
- Massive inflows of gold and silver from the Americas caused inflation and economic dislocation, making Spanish goods less competitive in international markets.
In summary, the decline of Spanish power and prosperity was influenced by a range of factors, including military conflicts, territorial losses, economic mismanagement, religious persecution, lack of technological innovation, and administrative inefficiencies, among others. Over time, these factors weakened Spain's global influence and set the stage for its prolonged economic and political decline.