Philip II and the Spanish Golden Age

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the reasons Philip II ruled Spain with a strong hand?

Due to crises of religious and economic instability. (correct)

To expand the influence of the Ottoman Empire.

To promote economic instability in Europe.

To impose democracy within his territories.

Which of the following territories did Charles V NOT inherit?

Parts of Italy

The Spanish Netherlands

Austria

France (correct)

What role did the Peace of Augsburg play during Charles V's reign?

It united all German states under a single religion.

It increased the power of the Catholic Church in Europe.

It allowed German princes to choose the religion for their territories. (correct)

It led to the overthrow of Charles V by Lutheran nobles.

Which characteristic does NOT describe Philip II?

Outgoing and charismatic Signup and view all the answers

What significant political strategy is associated with rulers like Philip II and Charles V?

Divine right monarchy Signup and view all the answers

What was Velazquez's primary role in the Spanish court?

Court painter Signup and view all the answers

Which significant literary work is attributed to Miguel de Cervantes?

Don Quixote de la Mancha Signup and view all the answers

What incident is famously associated with Don Quixote's quest for justice?

Attacking windmills Signup and view all the answers

What artistic characteristic did both Velazquez and El Greco share?

Rich colors Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Philip's aggressiveness in political affairs?

Personal ambition to expand his power Signup and view all the answers

How much gold was estimated to be supplied by American mines to Spain by 1600?

339,000 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the battle near Lepanto in 1571?

It resulted in a significant defeat for the Ottoman Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What was Philip's royal claim to the Portuguese throne in 1580?

He was the king's nephew. Signup and view all the answers

Before assuming the throne, what historical event had recently concluded in Spain?

The Reconquista Signup and view all the answers

What was Philip's approach towards heresy when he became king?

He continued the use of the Inquisition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Philip's attitude towards trust in relationships?

He was deeply suspicious of others. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind Philip's launch of the Spanish Armada in 1588?

To punish Protestant England and its queen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of the defeat of the Spanish Armada on Spain?

It weakened Spain but was temporarily masked by its wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What significant architectural feature does the Escorial represent for Philip II of Spain?

It was a symbol of both power and faith. Signup and view all the answers

Which artist is known for his use of brilliant and sometimes clashing colors and distorted human figures?

El Greco Signup and view all the answers

Diego Velazquez's artworks primarily conveyed which aspect of Spanish society?

The pride of the Spanish monarchy Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Golden Age of Spanish art and literature during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Support from wealthy monarchs and nobles Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'El Greco' mean in the context of the artist's name?

The Greek Signup and view all the answers

How did the Spanish Armada's defeat affect the perception of Spain's power in Europe?

It marked the beginning of Spain's decline in European influence. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between the artworks of El Greco and the Catholic faith of Spain?

They reflected the deep religious sentiments and themes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philip II and the Spanish Empire

Philip II ruled Spain during a time of religious and economic unrest.
He was deeply religious and believed in defending Catholicism.
He expanded Spain's empire to include Portugal after the Portuguese king died without an heir.
Philip inherited a wealth of resources from Spanish colonies in the Americas, including vast amounts of gold and silver.
This wealth allowed him to maintain a large standing army and fund ambitious projects like the construction of the Escorial Palace.

The Spanish Golden Age

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain experienced a golden age in the arts, fueled by wealth from the Americas.
This period saw the rise of prominent painters like El Greco and Velazquez, both of whom reflected Spanish culture and faith in their works.
El Greco's unique style, characterized by bright colors and distorted figures, expressed the deep Catholic faith of Spain.
Velazquez, the court painter to Philip IV of Spain, is known for his realistic portraits of the royal family and scenes of court life.
The publication of "Don Quixote de la Mancha" by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605 is considered the birth of the modern European novel.
This satirical tale satirized the ideals of chivalry and reflected the changing social landscape of Spain.

Spain's Economic Decline

Despite its immense wealth, Spain's economy began to decline due to numerous factors.
One major factor was the expulsion of Jews and Moors (Muslims) from Spain around 1500, which resulted in the loss of valuable artisans and businessmen.
Spain lacked a middle class, as the nobility were reluctant to engage in business ventures and the burden of taxes fell heavily on the lower classes, hampering economic growth.
Spain's reliance on antiquated guilds and traditional production methods made its manufactured goods more expensive than those produced in other European nations, leading to an influx of foreign goods.
The rise of the Dutch Republic as a major trading power further contributed to Spain's economic struggles.

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Description

Explore the reign of Philip II of Spain and the flourishing of Spanish art during the Golden Age. This quiz covers key events, the expansion of the Spanish Empire, and notable artists like El Greco and Velazquez. Discover how wealth from the Americas influenced culture and religion in Spain.