Description: In the early 16th century - having succeeded in establishing themselves in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas - Spain and Portugal became the first imperial powers on a worldwide scale. Between 1580 and 1640, when these two entities were united, they achieved an almost global hegemony, constituting the largest political force in Europe and abroad. Although they lost their political primacy in the 17th century, both monarchies survived and were able to enjoy a relative success until the early 19th century. This collection answers the question as to how and why their cultural and political legacies persist to date. Part I of the book focuses on the construction of the monarchy, examining the ways different territories were integrated into the imperial network, mainly by inquiring to what extent local political elites maintained their autonomy and to what a degree they shared power with the royal administration. Part II deals primarily with the circulation of ideas, models, and people
Brief description: Pedro Cardim is Associate Professor at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal.
Review Quotes: "...this volume should provide a stimulus not only to the historiography of the Iberian empires but to imperial historiography in general." - Gabriel Paquette, The Johns Hopkins University, USA, European History Quarterly, Vol. 44 No. 3.