Philip II and the Revolt in the Netherlands

Spanish Empire of Philip II

European Close-up of Philip II’s Empire

Strategic Marriages of Philip II WifeImpact/Influence on Philip II’s Empire Maria of PortugalAlliance with Portugal – remember Portugal has an Empire that rivals Spain due to its New World land holdings Mary I of EnglandAlliance with England, also Mary I was a devout Catholic which appealed to Philip II’s own religious sensibilities Elizabeth ValoisStrengthen relationship with France which is suffering under religious conflict between monarchy, Catholics and Huguenots Ann of AustriaAnn was also a Habsburg – she delivered him an heir, Philip III

Philip II: Defender of the Catholic Faith Continue fight against the Ottoman Turks – Battle of Lepanto, 1571 – 30% of Muslin navy destroyed = Spain now has control of trade in Mediterranean “His Most Catholic Majesty” Supporter of Carmelite reform movement Built the Escorial Confessors and theologians = some of his closest political advisers

el Escorial: Philip II’s Royal Palace and Monastery

Interior of the Escorial

Philip II’s History in the Netherlands Son of Charles V (Habsburg) – Charles V born in Ghent - seen as “Dutch” Philip II inherits it – but he is seen SPANISH! – so resented – Calvinism strong in Netherlands – Philip – great defender of Catholic faith - tries to root out Calvinism by force (Spanish Inquisition & Spanish troops)

Philip II’s Influence in the Netherlands Makes his sister Margaret, regent – enforces Inquisition – But Calvinists angry and attack Antwerp: churches, libraries, statues, altars. destroyed – Philip sends Duke of Alba – but seen as enemy too William of Orange (aka William the Silent) – (German – but has estates in Netherlands) – organizes Calvinist province leaders against Spanish; war at sea (Dutch, Danes, Scots & English)

Important Dates of Dutch Revolt 1566 – religious toleration, led to Calvinist uprising 1567 – Duke of Alba’s Council of Troubles & taxation, led to further rebellion 1572 – Calvinist exiles return and elect William of Orange as their leader 1575 – bankruptcy, led to military mutiny “Spanish Fury” 1579 – Spanish Netherlands vs. United Provinces (aka Dutch Republic) 1581 – Dutch Declaration of IndependenceDutch Declaration of Independence 1588 – Sinking of the Spanish Armada

Queen Elizabeth and the Spanish Armada Elizabeth I aiding the Northern Provinces Common enemy = Philip II Elizabeth worried that Philip II will try to attack England if he controls the Northern Provinces

The Spanish Armada 1588 May 28: 30,000 – Spaniards, 130 ships, 123,790 cannonballs – English fleet – 197 ships (34 military, 163 privately owned) – smaller, more agile The Spanish Plan: to reach the Netherlands and pick up the Spanish Army – get them across to England for war! Problems: Winds vs. them – takes 3 wks to reach N. Spain, then… – July 21 – leave for Netherlands – July 29 – English spot them – Sir Francis Drake leads England! – July 30 – 1 st battle – then English follow the Armada up the Channel – August 6 – Calais – but Spanish military isn’t ready – Armada low on water, food, ammunition & English are preparing an attack to prevent the rendezvous of the Armada and the Duke’s army

Defeat of the Spanish Armada August 7 – English attack – with fireships – set some of the larger Spanish galleys on fire By 4pm on Aug 8… – Spanish face defeat so escape to North Sea --- lose numerous ships to wind – run aground on cliffs of Ireland --- tragedy!!! By Aug 12 Duke of Medina-Sidonia capitulates – 15,000-20,000 Spaniards dead – ½ of the navy – Between 1/3 and ½ of Spanish ships destroyed The invincible armada católica is defeated! England = new European naval super power

The Netherlands... after the revolt 1609 = Twelve Year Truce but do not gain independence from Spain until 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia (30 Years’ War)