Rise of Absolute Monarchs 1. Weak kings who had little power over feudal lords 2. England, France, Spain, Russia, Prussia, & Austria 3. Absolute Monarch 4. Factors that Strengthen Royal Power: 1. Crusades killed feudal lords 2. Middle Class support 3. Gunpowder destroys castles 4. Reformation 5. Nationalism (a monarch a symbol of it) 5. Divine Right 6. Arguments support this theory: 1. King was God’s earthly representative 2. Obedience to King = Obedience to God 3. King can do no wrong

Beginning of the National State 1. An area ruled that is free from external political or religious control 2. Sharing similar language, history, customs 3. Common Nationality: 1. England 2. France 3. Spain 4. Diverse Nationality 1. Russia 2. Prussia 3. Austria

Age of Absolute Monarchs Golden Age of Spain Chapter 16, Section 1 Read Pgs

Objectives 5.7What civilizations controlled Spain and what was the Reconquista? 5.8How did Spanish monarchs demonstrate their absolutism?

1. Spanish History Since prehistoric times Spain was inhabited by the Iberians Up to the 3 rd century B.C. Spain was colonized by Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians. In 201 B.C. Spain was annexed by Rome and ruled for over 600 years by Rome 5 th Century A.D. Spain was invaded and settled by Germanic tribes, the Visigoths In the 8 th Century Spain was invaded by North African Muslims called Moors

2. Unification of Spain – The Reconquista Christian & Muslim kingdoms war from the 8 th to the 15 th Century In 1469 Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castile, thus uniting Catholic Spain. In 1492 their armies finally conquered Granada, the last Moorish stronghold, ending Moorish (Muslim) Rule in Spain.

3. Ferdinand & Isabella (1469 – 1519) Absolutism They destroyed nobles fortified castles Enacted laws WITHOUT the approval of the Spanish legislature, the Cortes Gained right to nominate Church officials in Catholic Spain Began the Spanish Inquisition Persecuted Jews & Muslims and eventually expelled them from Spain

Ferdinand & Isabella Foreign Policy Financed Columbus’ expedition and others Gained a “New World” colonial empire with great wealth in Silver & Gold Arranged political marriages for their daughters Most important being Joanna to Philip of Hapsburg = their son is Charles V the Holy Roman Emperor during the Protestant Reformation

4. Philip II (1556 – 1598) His reign marks the height of Spanish power Ruled w/ Absolutism & Divine Right Controlled all political details Continued Spanish Inquisition against Heretics & Protestants Rule marks the beginning of the “Century of Gold” (1550 – 1650) Rich from gold in colonies High point in Spanish Culture Cervantes wrote Don Quixote El Greco – famous artist