Absolute Monarchs in Europe

Spain’s Empire

Absolutism Absolute Monarch- a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society Divine Right- the idea that monarchs are God’s representatives on earth and are therefore answerable only to God

Control of Monarchs Regulated everything from religious worship to social gatherings Controlled economic life of countries

Phillip II Charles V retired Phillip II came to power of Spain, Spanish Netherlands, and American Colonies Shy, Serious, Deeply Religious Defender of Catholicism Took over Portugal and its holdings in Africa, India, East Indies Empire circled the Globe

Defeat of Spanish Armada Pope called on all Catholic Princes to take up arms against Protestants and Muslims Spain defeated Ottoman Fleet Spain defeated by English Protestants  Elizabeth I This was a setback but Spain and Phillip gave the appearance that it was wealthy and strong for a while longer

Phillip’s Escorial A magnificent Palace and Monastery made of granite with huge walls that displayed his power

Golden Age of Art and Literature Great wealth allowed for monarch’s and nobles to support the arts El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)  Brilliant, sometimes clashing colors, distorted the human figure, and expressed emotion symbolically Diego Velázquez  Reflected pride of Spanish monarchy

Spanish Empire Weakens Inflation- decline in value of money and rise in prices of goods and services Spain bought much of manufactured goods from elsewhere  Not a favorable balance of trade

Dutch Empire Northern Dutch united and rebelled and formed United Provinces of Netherlands Southern parts of Netherlands were Catholic and remained under Spanish control

Dutch Art 1600’s- Dutch became what Florence had been during the Renaissance Rembrandt- sharp contrasts of light and shadow to draw attention to focus

Dutch Trading Largest fleet of ships in world Dominated Asian Spice Trade  Dutch East Asia Company

Reign of Louis XIV

Henry IV 1 st King of Bourbon Dynasty in France Gave up Protestantism and became Catholic Let the Huguenots live in peace Edict of Nantes  Huguenots could set up houses of worship and live in peace Stabbed to death in 1610 for his religious compromises

Louis XIII Son of Henry IV Weak King who relied on Cardinal Richelieu

Cardinal Richelieu Ruler of France Leader of Catholic Church beforehand Two Steps to Increase Power Bourbon Monarchy:  Moved against Huguenots (Protestants)  Weakened nobles power

Skepticism Idea that nothing can ever be know for certain Montaigne- developed the essay  Represents ideas and opinions Descartes- one could not be certain of anything  Helped develop scientific method

Louis XIV Most powerful ruler in French history 4 years old when he took thrown “L’etat c’est moi” means “I am the State” Cardinal Mazarin ruled until Louis XIV was 22

Louis XIV’s Reign Weakened nobles authority Helped France attain economic, political, and cultural brilliance  Jean Baptiste Colbert Made France self-sufficient  Wanted France to manufacture everything it needed to function

Intendants Government agents who collected and administered justice

Louis XIV Slowed Economy Canceled the Edict of Nantes  Which caused many Huguenots to leave the country  Policy robbed France of many skilled workers

Sun King’s Grand Style Patron of the Arts  Read page 165 together

Palace at Versailles Cost an estimated $2.5 Billion in 2003 dollars 36,000 laborers and 6,000 horses to work on the project

Disastrous Wars Attempted to expand France’s boundaries Tried to conquer smaller countries  Smaller countries banded together Brought suffering to French people  Bad harvests and new taxes

War of Spanish Succession Charles II died with no heir to thrown Promised thrown of Spain to Louis XIV’s grandson Philip of Anjou United Spain and France under Bourbon Rule

War of Spanish Succession England, Austria, the Dutch Republic, Portugal, and several German and Italian States joined together Treaty of Urecht  Spanish and French thrones could not be united

Great Britain Took control of Gibraltar which controlled entrance to the Mediterranean Sea Also gained more access in African Slave Trade Spain France gave up control of North American lands including the Hudson Bay region France

Louis’ Legacy France ranked above all other European nations in art, literature, statesmanship, and military might Staggering debt, constant warfare, and a tax burden were negative