1. Absolutism
King or queen with complete control . Right to rule comes from God (Devine Right)

2. A Powerful Spanish Empire
Charles V left his throne and split his holdings (1556)
His brother Ferdinand receives Austria and the Holy Roman Empire.
His son Phillip II got Spain and the colonies. Also got Portugal and global territories Africa, India and the East Indies
Tried to invade England but failed. It weaken Spain, but they seemed wealthy because of gold and silver coming in from the colonies

3. Golden Age of Spanish Art and Literature
El Greco and Diego Velasquez are the greatest Spanish painters
Miguel de Cervantes wrote Don Quixote de la Mancha.

4. Spanish Empire Weakens
New wealth caused problems
Prices rise
More taxes on the poor
Had to borrow money to fight wars.
1579 – lost land (Netherlands which were Protestant)

5. Independent Dutch Prosper
Government was a Republic, not a kingdom. This was very different for the times.
Practiced religious freedom and had a trading empire.
Had the largest fleet in the world.
Important bankers

6. Absolutism In Europe
Philip was absolute ruler. He held all power. Right to rule came from God (Devine Right)
Their increased power imposed order.
Absolute rulers wanted to free themselves from limitations put on them by nobles.