Pax Hispanica

The Pax Hispanica (Latin for "Spanish Peace") refers to a period of twenty-three years from 1598 to 1621, when Spain disengaged from the European wars of religion that characterised the previous century.

Peace was achieved by several treaties: The Pax Hispanica (1598-1621) comprises the two peaceful decades of the Spanish Golden Age (1492-1661), a distinct and broader concept marked by wars of conquest in the Americas and the involvement in several European conflicts.

Under the Habsburgs, the use of force as part of Spanish colonial policies in the Americas was reviewed following the Valladolid Debate, but Spain became more and more involved in the European wars of religion.

[2][3] Under Philip II, Spain was the foremost great power and had become involved in conflicts with the Dutch, the English, and the French.

After capturing Ostend from Spinola, the Dutch continued their rebellion, finally achieving independence during the reign of Philip III of Spain.