3 ms·

I'd like to see the numbers showing Spain lost money by acquiring all the gold and silver it could squeeze out of the Americas.

• guard-of-terra 11y ago
  Spain actually ruined their economy by doing so.
  • jkyle 11y ago
    European Wars (such as the Netherlands war), collapsing internal industries resulting in a shift from exporter to importer, internal revolts like the Moricos Revolt, and lack of investment in industry, and Phillip's penchant for foolish and grandiose national project bankrupted Spain. Throw in a couple of plagues and failed crops as salt in the wounds and that's a wrap. The massive influx of bouillon and spoils from the Americas were the only thing that kept up the facade for any length of time. Spain's problems were entirely domestic. At least according to the history books I've read.
    • guard-of-terra 11y ago
      "collapsing internal industries resulting in a shift from exporter to importer" This is caused by influx of gold from colonies as far as my understanding goes.