The Hidden History of America's Gold: How the Habsburgs Squandered the Riches of the New World
The House of Habsburg, with its unparalleled opulence and power, stands as an icon of European history. However, behind its grandeur lies a tale of waste and decadence woven with the gold flowing from America. Since the 16th century, the Habsburgs, who ruled vast territories in Europe and America, found themselves at a crossroads: how to manage the immense riches of the New World without falling into ruin? This article reveals the court secrets and political intrigues that led the Habsburgs to squander the wealth obtained from their American colonies.
The Gold of America: An Unmatched Treasure
From the arrival of Spanish conquistadors to American lands, the continent became a true treasure chest. In 1533, the conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured Inca Emperor Atahualpa, and with his execution, the flow of gold and silver to Spain intensified. The famous Mint of Potosí, in what is now Bolivia, became the main source of silver, producing around 45,000 tons of precious metal between 1545 and 1800. This dazzling treasure was made possible by the forced labor of millions of indigenous people, whose suffering has been immortalized in the pages of history, according to contemporary chroniclers.
The Greed of the Habsburgs: An Endless Feast
The Spanish Habsburgs, led by King Charles I (1516-1556), found themselves at a crossroads. With an empire that spanned Europe and the Americas, the riches of the New World promised a glorious future. However, greed and extravagance began to undermine their fortune. Instead of investing in the empire's infrastructure or using the resources for the common good, they...