explain why it is said that the sun never set on the Spanish Empire. (4 points)
1) Vast territorial holdings: The Spanish Empire had an extensive reach, encompassing territories across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This included colonies and possessions in regions such as the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Cuba, Florida, and parts of North Africa, to name a few.
2) Timezone advantage: Due to its vast territorial holdings, the Spanish Empire spanned multiple time zones. This meant that no matter the time of day or night, there would always be some part of the empire where the sun was shining.
3) Naval dominance: The Spanish Empire possessed a powerful navy, which allowed them to control key maritime routes and expand their influence. This naval dominance further ensured that Spanish territories were accessible and defended, reinforcing the idea that the sun never set on their empire.
4) Colonization and exploration: The Spanish were pioneers in exploring and colonizing new lands. Their explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernan Cortes discovered and claimed new territories, stretching the boundaries of their empire and ensuring that the sun never literally set over their vast holdings.