Iberia (Pax Iberica)

Overview
The United Crown of Iberia was formed in 1641 after a realisation of the Spanish monarchs to decentralise in order to survive as a united nation. Iberia has been a major world player ever since.

Formation
In 1580, the Iberian Union was formed, after the Portuguese succession crisis in which Philip II of Spain became king of Portugal as well. The death of Philip II in 1598, led to the succession of his son, Philip III, and later Philip IV. There was soon a challenge to the throne, such as the crisis of 1640, where there were separatist movements all over Spain’s European Holdings. King Philip IV, however, skilfully defeated all of them in battle, bringing peace to the region. But he realised that a revolt like that could happen once more if the situation arose. So in 1641, he decided to give limited Self-Rule to the Portuguese and the Aragonese, proclaiming the United Crown of Iberia. Soon, Philip was IV Crowned as Emperor of all Iberia. Now with Portugal fully integrated, Philip IV set his sights towards America and began to expand the colonies in Brazil and Peru, Iberia was now a world power.

Restoration and Reform
War of the Spanish Succession began in 1701 and ended in1713, Britain, due to a financial crisis, didn’t get involved. This led to a decisive Bourbon victory. Administrative reforms followed in Iberia, introduced by Charles II. A more efficient Iberia emerged, becoming the richest nation in the world. Soon after, the first Iberian trade companies were created, Stationed in Manila, Goa, Havana and Cartagena de Indias. This lead to intense competition with the Dutch and the English. Ferdinand VI came to power in 1746, bringing reform to the housing and the justice systems respectively (hence the nickname “el Justo”). He also modernised the Armada, giving Iberia the most powerful navy in the world, shortly followed by Britain. These reforms allowed the Iberian Empire to expand greatly under Charles III.