Spanish History during Philip II's Reign

Philip II believed it was his duty to protect Catholicism from threats like the Ottoman Empire (Muslims) and Protestants in Europe.

Philip II's goal was to fight the Ottoman Empire and protect Catholicism. He believed it was his duty to defend the faith.

The Battle of Lepanto was a major victory for the Catholic forces against the Ottoman Empire, led by a combined fleet of Spanish and Venetian ships. It was a key moment in the struggle against the Ottoman expansion.

Philip II's attempt to punish Protestant England, led by Queen Elizabeth I, for supporting rebellions against his rule. It resulted in a disastrous defeat for the Spanish Armada.

Philip II's grand palace, known for its massive size, was both a symbol of his power and his faith. It housed both a palace and a monastery, reflecting his commitment to Catholicism.

The period in Spain between the 16th and 17th centuries where the arts flourished, thanks to the patronage of the wealthy royalty and nobles.

A Greek-born painter who lived in Spain and is known for his unique style and religious themes. His works reflect the strong Catholic faith of the time.

A famous Spanish painter known for his realistic portraits of the Spanish court and his mastery of light and color. His work captured the grandeur and elegance of the Spanish Golden Age.

A system of government where the monarch holds absolute power, controlling all aspects of society, including religion, the economy, and the military.

A period in European history marked by widespread religious and territorial conflicts, leading to increased state power and taxation.

The tendency for monarchies to strengthen their power during times of crisis, often by gaining greater control over society and the state.

The rise of absolute rulers in the 17th century was often fueled by a need to impose order and maintain stability in the face of rebellion and unrest.

Absolute monarchs, like Louis XIV of France, aimed to free themselves from the limitations imposed by the nobility and representative bodies.

The French King Louis XIV is often considered the epitome of an absolute monarch, demonstrating the peak of this form of government.

A large military force maintained by the government, often used to enforce the monarch's rule and project national power.

The taxes levied on citizens to support the growing expenses of government, particularly during times of conflict.

The lack of a middle class in Spain hampered its economic development, as the nobility's tax exemption and the lower classes' burden prevented the emergence of a prosperous, innovative segment of society.

Outdated guild practices and high manufacturing costs made Spanish goods less competitive, leading to a reliance on imports from wealthier nations like France, England, and the Netherlands. This drained Spain's wealth and enriched its enemies.

To fund their wars, Spanish monarchs borrowed heavily from German and Italian bankers, sending valuable silver to repay debts. This constant outflow of wealth weakened the Spanish economy.

Spain's weakened economy and reliance on foreign goods made it vulnerable to its enemies' profits. Their wealth ultimately went into the pockets of those they were fighting against.

Philip II of Spain's attempt to suppress Protestantism and raise taxes in the Netherlands sparked an uprising, eventually leading to the independence of the northern provinces and the formation of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.

Religious differences, economic disparities, and Philip II's policies of suppressing Protestantism and raising taxes in the Netherlands created tensions leading to rebellion against Spanish rule.

The Dutch, primarily Protestant, were culturally and religiously distinct from their Catholic Spanish rulers, creating a sense of division and resentment that fueled the rebellion.

Spain's sluggish economy and the Dutch growing middle class highlighted economic disparities, contributing to the tensions leading to the Dutch Revolt.

Strong states formed more slowly in central Europe than in western Europe. The major powers of this region were the kingdom of Poland, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. They were not very strong in the mid-1600s.

A state that has no authority within its borders other than itself; can have an army and governs on behalf of all of its people.

The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) marked the beginning of the modern state system, because nations began to recognize Europe as a group of equal, independent states.

The idea that a state has a right to rule over the people within its borders and no outside powers can interfere.

A strategy designed to prevent any single country or group of countries from becoming too powerful, aiming for a balance of power in Europe.

A coalition of European states formed in 1689 to counter the growing power of France under Louis XIV.

King of England from 1689, joined the League of Augsburg to oppose Louis XIV's ambitions and restore a balance of power in Europe.

A war fought from 1701 to 1714, primarily over the succession to the Spanish throne and the potential for a united French-Spanish empire.

The Treaty signed in 1714 ending the War of the Spanish Succession, establishing a balance of power in Europe by preventing the union of the French and Spanish thrones.

A fortress strategically located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, captured by Britain from Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The French Bourbon dynasty, which ruled both France and Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession, sparking concern among other European powers.

A long and costly conflict that drained French resources and fueled dissatisfaction among the French people, leading to a desire for peace.

Central European nobles, such as those in Poland, limited the power of their kings, preventing the development of strong, unified states. These limited monarchs lacked the authority to create a strong central government or national identity.

The Ottoman Empire, under Suleyman the Magnificent, conquered Hungary in 1529, but its advance into Europe was halted. This event marked the beginning of the decline of the Ottoman Empire from its peak of power.

The Holy Roman Empire, weakened by the Thirty Years' War, was no longer able to control the German states. This led to a power vacuum in central Europe, where there was no powerful ruler to maintain order and unity.

The Hapsburgs of Austria seized the opportunity to become absolute monarchs in central Europe, using their military strength and political savvy to fill the power vacuum left by weakened empires.

During the Thirty Years' War, the Austrian Hapsburgs retook Bohemia and established a new, loyal nobility who pledged allegiance to them. This move solidified their control over the region and strengthened their claim to absolute power.

After the Thirty Years' War, the Hapsburg rulers centralized their government and created a standing army. These actions demonstrated their commitment to absolute rule and provided them with the tools to enforce their authority.

By 1699, the Austrian Hapsburgs retook Hungary from the Ottoman Empire. This victory expanded their territory and increased their influence in central Europe, further solidifying their position as powerful rulers.

Charles VI, the Hapsburg ruler in 1711, faced challenges in ruling a vast and diverse empire. This highlighted the difficulties associated with maintaining absolute power, especially in a territory with diverse populations and interests.