What was the black legend of spain?

The Black Legend (Spanish: Leyenda Negra) refers to a historiographical bias against the Spanish Empire, particularly concerning its activities in the Americas and Europe, which emphasizes its negative aspects such as the oppression and exploitation of indigenous peoples and the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities. The Black Legend took hold in the late 16th century and gained traction during the Enlightenment and the 19th century, shaping international perceptions and stereotypes of Spain and Spanish people. The term "Black Legend" was first used by Spanish scholars in the late 19th century to describe this phenomenon.