Spain’s Rise and Fall

Philip II r lived at Escorial and devoted Catholic Ruled Spain, its overseas colonies, the Spanish Netherlands, among other possessions. Part of “Holy League” and led victory over Turks in battle of Lepanto 1571 invaded Netherlands to halt Protestant revolts around 1560 Defeated by English navy in 1588 Overseas colonies provided a lot of money at his disposal to support navy, army, and hire mercenaries.

Decline of Spanish Power Philip III had signed truce with the United Provinces Considered to be of weak character. Allowed government policy to be dominated by Duke of Lerma who promoted himself and his family. Moriscos were forced out partially resulting in economic hardship State Bankruptcies and devaluation occurred *There was a movement away from moneymaking and economic pursuits. Ex. Small middleclass and number of monasteries.

Decline of Spanish Power Philip IV Gold and Silver imports lessening significantly. Spent sums on entertainment and neglected economic crisis High rents resulted for already overtaxed commoners Fought in 30 Years War, French wars, revolts in Catalonia and Portugal. Lands lost in cases. Government dominated by Gaspar de Guzman. Whose plan for recovery was to return to an imperial power. Marie Therese, his daughter was married to Louis XIV led to war of Spanish Succession early 1700s

Decline of Spanish Continued Charles II had left Spanish lands to Philip of Anjou (Louis XIV’s grandson) in his will. Louis violated a treaty and accepted the will leading to the War of Spanish Succession. ** The Spanish are said to have fallen victim to idealism and their reputation in the past. Attempting to bring glory to Spain without the means and neglecting to accept the times for what they were. Including the new economic and scientific advances. Think of Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes