The writer would anticipate the criticism that the list of books specified in the syllabus for reading is incomplete. Since these readings are designed for class purposes and are selected as being practicable, the incompleteness was scarcely avoidable. The specialist will again find it easy to enlarge. In the list of readings, in order to conserve space, the author's name and full title of the book are stated when the first reference is made; thereafter only the author's name is employed, except in such cases in which the author has written more than one book or in which clearness seems to demand complete or partial repetition. The author wishes to make acknowledgment of his indebtedness to Professor William R. Shepherd, of Columbia University, whose advice and inspiration have been of incalculable service to him. Professor Shepherd generously made suggestions for this edition of the syllabus. Chapel Hill, N. C., June, 1920. A SYLLABUS OF HISPANIC-AMERICAN HISTORY INTRODUCTION =I. The Political Situation in Europe at Opening of the 16th Century.= 1. The National States: England, France, Spain and Portugal. 2. The Holy Roman Empire. 3. The city states of Italy. 4. Other European States. Readings: Hayes, _A Political and Social History of Modern Europe_, Vol. I, 3-25. =II. Scientific and intellectual progress.= 1. Medieval travels; the crusades. 2. The Renaissance. 3. Invention of the compass and improvement of the astrolabe. 4. Improvement and increase of maps. Readings: Cheyney, _European Background of American History_, 41-59. =III. European Commerce at the Opening of the 16th Century.= 1. Trade and trade routes between Europe and the Far East. 2. The Mediterranean and the Italian cities. 3. Conquests of the Ottoman Turks; closing of old routes. 4. Decline of the Italian cities. 5. Need of new routes; Battle of the Nile, 1516. Readings: Cheyney, 3-40; Shepherd, _Historical Atlas_, 98-99, 107-110; Hayes, I, 27-49. =IV. The Commercial Revolution.= 1. The geographic position of Spain and Portugal. 2. The circumnavigation of Africa: Prince Henry the Navigator; Diaz; Vasco da Gama. 3. The Western passage; sought by Spain. 4. The commercial revolution; effects. 5. Creation of trade companies; new methods of commerce. 6. Expansion and colonization; motives. Readings: Bourne, _Spain in America_, 104-132; Cheyney, 123-146; Hayes, I, 27-69. =V. Spain and Portugal at the Opening of the 16th Century.= A. Background of Spanish history. Spanish Society: 1. Geographic influences in Spanish history. 2. The evolution of the Spanish nationality: a. The earliest historic inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula.