Spain’s Empire and European Absolutism Section 1, Chapter 5

1. Spain’s Empire andEuropean AbsolutismSection 1, Chapter 5

2. What is an “Absolute Monarch”? • Absolute monarch- Ruler whose power not limited by having to consult with nobles, common people or their representatives • Absolute monarchs believed they ruled by divine right. They claimed they received power from God and this power must not be challenged • An absolute monarch answered only to God • 1500 through 1700s, absolute monarchs tried to impose their will across much of Europe

3. Crises Lead to Absolutism • 17th century was a period of great upheaval in Europe • Religious and territorial conflicts between states led to almost continuous warfare • Caused governments to build huge armies and to levy even heavier taxes on burdened people • These pressures brought about widespread unrest • In response Monarchs increased control even more

4. SETTING THE STAGE • In 1519, Charles V becomes Emperor of Holy Roman Empire • Holdings expanded to parts of Italy, Austria, various German states • Wanted Europe to be Roman Catholic • Growing Protestant movement threatened influence

5. Confrontation and Peace • Confrontation • 1521, Charles confronted Protestant leader Martin Luther directly • In spite of Charles’ efforts, Protestants gained influence • Rebellions against Catholic rulers spread • After years of warfare, Charles V had to sign Peace of Augsburg • Peace • Agreement gave each German prince right to decide if his state would be Catholic or Protestant • Charles’ vision of a Catholic Europe never became reality • Constant warfare also brought Charles to brink of bankruptcy

6. Dividing the Empire Imposing Their Will Relinquished Thrones • Brother took over Hapsburg holdings in Austria • Son, Philip II, ruled Netherlands, Spain, Sicily, Spain’s colonies • Charles V moved to monastery, dream of unified empire unfulfilled • Frustrated by failures in Europe1556, Charles V gave up thrones • Decided to divide large empire between his brother and his son

7. Spain under Philip II Religion and Revolt Catholicism in Territories Revolt in the Low Countries • King Philip II devout Catholic • Saw himself as leader of Counter-Reformation • Philip believed it was his duty to defend Catholicism against Muslims and Protestants • Philip also wanted to secure position of Catholicism in European territories • Philip’s faith clashed with Protestantism in the Netherlands • Spain on verge of bankruptcy raises taxes on the Dutch • 1560s, bloody revolt in the Netherlands began • Dutch finally gained independence in1579 • Spain at peak of grandeur with reign of Philip II • One reason—stream of gold and silver from colonies in Americas • With wealth came power—but gold could not solve Spain’s problems

8. Spain and England • English Aid to Dutch • Dutch revolt deepened another rivalry, between Spain, England • As fellow Protestants, England sent aid to Dutch rebels • England’s assistance to Dutch infuriated Philip • Attacks on Spanish Ships • Philip also worried about English attacks on his ships • England’s Queen Elizabeth I allowed ship captains to attack Spanish treasure ships, steal gold, silver for England • Invasion Planned • King Philip II wanted to stop England from raiding ships, return England to Catholic Church • King Philip decided to invade England

9. Philip’s Armada Naval Battles Armada Not Invincible • Spanish packed ships with soldiers for land invasion • Faced fierce naval battles that severely damaged fleet • Tried to return to Spain by going around England • English aimed eight fire ships at remaining ships of Armada • Spanish ships fled in panic, disarray • Storms wrecked many remaining ships as they returned to Spain • Philip ordered navy to assemble great fleet, the Spanish Armada • Totaled about 130 ships, 20,000 soldiers, sailors • 1588, invincible fleet sailed into English channel • Queen Elizabeth I rallied troops and prepared for attack

10. Spanish Armada consisted of 130 ships. Half were lost in battle and storms • About 5000 Spaniards died • Philip II: "I sent the Armada against men, not God's winds and waves”

11. An Empire in Decline Internal Problems Spain becomes bankrupt • Spain’s real problems internal • Philip’s government centralized • He trusted no one • Court riddled by factions, suspicion • Government action practically came to standstill • Philip spent wealth from Americas on constant warfare • Borrowed money often; went bankrupt four times • Prices driven up, inflation • Spain did not develop industries • The defeat of the Armada was not the end for Spain, which recovered from the loss. • But England remained Protestant, defiant, and undefeated. Relying on traditional agricultural economy, Spain’s economy lagged behind that of other countries. Spain declined as a major power.

12. Recall What were two events that caused problems for Spain? Answer(s): revolt in the Netherlands; defeat of the Spanish Armada

13. Artistic Achievements Art & Lit Court Painter • One of most prominent painters:El Greco, his style famous for elongated figures • Much work religious, reflected Spain’s role in Counter-Reformation • Cervantes: Most famous work, Don Quixote de la Mancha about man caught between medieval, modern worlds • Another Spanish painter, Diego Velázquez • Created masterpieces portraying people of all social classes with great dignity • Velázquez had privilege of being the court painter • From 1550 to 1650, Spanish golden age of artistic achievement • Became known as the Golden Century

14. The Independent Dutch Prosper • The Netherlands were unique for its time • People there practiced religious toleration • A kingdom but a republic • Stable government allowed the Dutch people to concentrate on economic growth • The Dutch had the largest fleet of ships in the world • Dutch East India Company dominated the spice trade routes