The Spanish Empire was the first in the time of the great sea-born empires of Western Europe, huge and richest, which made it the object of envy, fear and hatred.The eminent British historian John Perry presents the story of the emergence, flourishing and the collapse of the great maritime Spanish power. The author traces the influence of Spain on Central and South America, presenting a broad and vivid picture of the process of its conquest, the economic and social consequences for Spain, the efforts that she made to maintain control over these vast possessions. Perry explores the complex administration of the empire, its economy, social structure, the role of the Church, the destruction of the cultures of the conquered territories, and the impact of their decline on Spanish politics. John Perry's classic study created the basis for a new dimension in the study of the history of the former Spanish colonies of Latin America and the transformation of pre-Columbian culture into colonial states.