ABSOLUTISM: SPAIN HWH UNIT 2 CHAPTER 4.1
What is absolutism? Centralization of power Creation of a bureaucracy Control of nobility Control of clergy Control over assemblies (Estates-General, Parliament, etc.) Control of economy (mercantilism) Creation of a standing army End of feudalism
The Hapsburg dynasty
Ferdinand of Aragon (r. 1479-1516) and Isabella of Castille (r Ferdinand of Aragon (r. 1479-1516) and Isabella of Castille (r. 1474-1504) (m. 1469)
Charles v (r. 1519-1556) Grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella Inherited Spain, all of Spain’s New World land, and the Holy Roman Empire Major events: New World conquest Protestant Reformation War with the Ottoman Empire
Charles splits his empire
Ferdinand I (r. 1556-1564) Charles V’s brother Took over as Holy Roman Emperor, but NOT king of Spain
PHILIP II (r. 1556-1598) Inherited Spain, parts of Italy, the Spanish Netherlands, and Spain’s New World lands Solidified rule as an absolute monarch Obsessed with fighting Protestantism
Philip’s catholic campaigns The Battle of Lepanto, 1571 Defeated Ottoman fleet Dutch Revolt, 1560s-1600s Dutch Calvinists The Spanish Armada, 1588 Failed invasion of England Elizabeth was Protestant Elizabeth had supported the Dutch against Philip
The siglo de oro (1550-1650) View of Toledo by El Greco (1596) Spain’s Golden Age Height of political power Art and literature El Greco Velazquez Cervantes Reasons for decline Weak rulers after Philip II Economic problems Inflation, debt Over-extension View of Toledo by El Greco (1596) Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC