The Spanish Empire: Power, Conquest, and Legacy
Join Dr. Maisa Edwards to explore the rise, global reach and fall of the Spanish Empire from the 1400s to the 1800s.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 28 Oct 2025End Date: 25 Nov 2025Tue (Evening): 19:00 - 20:30OnlineFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00
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What is the course about?
On this course we will explore the political, economic, and cultural dynamics that shaped Spain’s imperial expansion across the Americas, Asia, and beyond. Through key historical events, figures, and primary sources, we will gain insight into colonial governance, indigenous resistance, transatlantic trade, and the lasting impacts of Spanish rule on the modern world.
What will we cover?
- Exploration & foundations
- Colonial governance
- Indigenous resistance
- Transatlantic trade
- The impact of Spanish rule on the modern world
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Assess the impact of early exploration & settlements
- Evaluate how colonial governance worked
- Assess the significance of Indigenous resistance in the period
- Explain the impact of the transatlantic trade on the colonies and Spain itself
- Evaluate the impact of Spanish rule on the modern world
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course. An interest in the topic and a willingness to engage in any class discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Lecture/discussion. Any reading will be provided.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
.
Dr. Maísa Edwards holds a Joint International Relations PhD from King’s College London and the University of São Paulo. Her doctoral research focused on Brazil, the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic and the South Atlantic region. She also has an MSc in Brazil in Global Perspective from King’s College London and a first degree in French and Spanish from University College London. Maísa also has a keen interest in multilingual and multicultural literature and has run the Talk Books With Me (@talk_books_with_me) project since February 2021.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
