The scramble for Africa took place in the latter part of the 19th century. By then, Spain was a fucking shell of what it was during the glory days of Charles V. Spain never recovered from the French invasion and occupation during the napoleonic wars. On top of that devastation, and losing most of its overseas colonies shortly after, it went through a civil war or two in the 19th century as well. Long story short, Spain was in absolutely no position to be colonizing anyone. Even today, Spain can't really support itself as a "modern cosmopolitan" European nation without financial support from the EU.
The scramble for Africa took place in the latter part of the 19th century. By then, Spain was a fucking shell of what it was during the glory days of Charles V. Spain never recovered from the French invasion and occupation during the napoleonic wars. On top of that devastation, and losing most of its overseas colonies shortly after, it went through a civil war or two in the 19th century as well. Long story short, Spain was in absolutely no position to be colonizing anyone. Even today, Spain can't really support itself as a "modern cosmopolitan" European nation without financial support from the EU.
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