to what extent did the acquisition of colonies increase spain's power in 1454-1598?

Answer 1

after pushing out the arabs from the iberian peninsula in 1492 (fall of granada ) 'spain' could focus on oversea colonies.

- made spain a super power until the defeat of the armada in 1588

- a lot of treasures were hauled to spain (gold and then later much more in quantitiy : silver

- the downside of the vast amount of silver was high inflation

prior to 1492 , when granada was captured and columbus set sail, 'spain' was busy with the 'Reconquista'
a long process to regain the iberian peninsula from the arabs.

Answer 2

I can't speak exactly about Spain, but I can say something about Portuguese colonies (Portugal empire and Spanish empire started almost at the same time).
In my personal opinion, the acquisition of colonies, increased a catholic country power not only by spreading the religion and as consequence, the protection and appraisal of the Catholic church (which was very powerful in Europe in that period), but also regarding commercial connections. I believe they (Portugal and Spain) became stronger countries, as a lot of precious stone, gold, silver, spices, etc, came to Europe by their sailors. So Portugal's and Spain's wealth increased dramatically in that period. They also spreaded their connections in the world, therefore gathering allies and powerful enemies, too.
I think Portugal's and Spain's power in that time came from their colonies and connections they made, but we can never forget, that this only happened because both contries were competing with each other.
I hope I could help. I know there are a lot more things to say about this question, but this is a start.

EDIT: And BTW, in 1249 Portugal was free of Moors, and the Portuguese 'Reconquista' had ended with the capture of Algarve. So, when some people say that the Spanish had to free the Peninsula Iberia, that is a mistake, as Portugal and Spain are the Peninsula Iberia, and only Spain had to deal with their 'Reconquista' after 1249.

Answer 3

The Spanish language and the Roman Catholic church were brought to the Americas and to the Spanish East Indies (Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marianas, Palau and the Philippines) by the Spanish colonization.

During the sixteenth century, Spain held the equivalent of US$1.5 trillion (1990 terms) in gold and silver received from New Spain. It was often said during this time that it was the empire on which the sun never set

Answer 4

Spain's acquistion of colonies gave her all of the raw materials and people power she needed to accomplish pretty much anything she wanted. All of the wealth of the Aztecs and the Incas was hers. She also was able to introduce the foods native to South, North and Central America, such as the sweet potato and the tomato. Basically Spain was in the same situation polically that the USA is now.She was a major power.

Answer 5

A lot.