Because Philip II of Spain wanted a standing Army, he found it necessary to raise taxes.
He found major difficulties in raising the taxes, however. Eventually, he did go bankrupt but that's not before he taxed all the local resources available.
I believe that is the year where Columbus "Discovered" america (I mean clearly that becomes controversial, but that is the answer the school most likely wants.)
Because its location made it the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
It taxed the crud out of people, while instilling fear in them.
This made it wealthy and influential.
