1. ABSOLUTISM: SPAIN
HWH UNIT 2
CHAPTER 4.1

2. 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

3. The Hapsburg dynasty

4. Ferdinand of Aragon (r. 1479-1516) and Isabella of Castille (r
Ferdinand of Aragon (r ) and Isabella of Castille (r ) (m. 1469)

5. 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

6. Charles splits his empire

7. Ferdinand I (r. 1556-1564) Charles V’s brother
Took over as Holy Roman Emperor, but NOT king of Spain

8. PHILIP II (r )
Inherited Spain, parts of Italy, the Spanish Netherlands, and Spain’s New World lands
Solidified rule as an absolute monarch
Obsessed with fighting Protestantism

10. 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

14. 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