Spain’s Empire and European Absolutism

Spain’s Empire Background Charles V- Holy Roman Emperor(1556) Gives Ferdinand (brother) Austria & Holy Roman Emp. Gives Philip II (son) Spain & Spanish colonies What was happening in the HRE during the 1500s that would have led to Charles V retirement?

Reign of Philip II begins Seized kingdom of Portugal Gold and Silver poured into empire…all that glitters is not gold though (lessons of the Muslim Empires)

Philip II’s Religious Conflicts Reconquista just ended “Campaign to remove Muslims from Spain” Duty to defend Catholicism from ALL opposition Philip II sends ships to fight Ottomans – wins Tries to attack English (Elizabeth I) Big Mistake…

The Defeat of Spanish Armada In 1588 English Fire ships! England had smaller, faster ships And the weather played a BIG part.

Spain’s Golden Age Escorial- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3V349XzpYI What are the reasons for designing a palace? What could a palace like the Escorial symbolize?

Philip II and his government Religious control  Spain and ALL parts of empire were CATHOLIC…end of story Spanish nobility –> served as viceroys, admirals, or generals Was this an example of Philip II sharing power? Social prestige not political power

Philip II and government Council of State  advises the King, but the King never showed What was the purpose of having this “Council of State”? The role of professional graduates Execute royal authority not formulate it Promotion through efficiency

Empire Weakens Money was only temporary Inflation Growing population  what do they need? Tons of silver  how is that a bad thing? Jews & Muslims expelled = businessmen Nobles did not pay taxes Poor paid taxes, prevented a middle class

Spain’s Enemies Spanish cloth very expensive Buy French & English cloth Wealth goes to enemies  angered Philip II No $$ to declare wars…had to borrow it Any $$ coming into Spain, went right to other countries Declare bankruptcy

Dutch Revolt Under Spanish control Raised taxes very high Spain – Very Catholic Dutch – Very Protestant Raised taxes very high Dutch fight back, destroy Catholic churches Send in Spanish Duke of Alva Kills 1,500 on one day 11 yrs. Later, declare indep.

STOP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl3stf20X10 0-6:55/ What were the reasons Spain and England did not get along? After watching the video, what in world history might be changed had the Spanish Armada won?

Absolutism in Europe Monarchs wanted to be absolute monarchs “Kings or Queens who hold ALL power within their states’ boundaries.” Control EVERY aspect of society Divine Right “Idea that God created the monarchy and the monarchy was God’s representative on Earth.” Answer only to God, not subjects

Growing Power Decline of Feudalism – Centralized Authority Growing Middle Class – Back Monarch Wealth from Colonies – Merchant Class Religious Conflicts – Lose Power Conflict in Territories – Increase Monarch Power

Monarchs Regulate Everything Create Gov’t Bureaucracies Social gatherings & Religious Worship Create Gov’t Bureaucracies Free Themselves From Limitations Most Famous is Louis XIV of France… …To Be Continued…