Steven Cherry, Group #3: 2000 Exam

1. Steven Cherry, Group #3: 2000 Exam Thematic Essay: “Leadership determine the fate of a country” Evaluate this quotation in terms of Spain’s experience under Phillip II. Critical Trigger Words: The quotation is key. Evaluate (Analyze), Terms of Spain’s experience under Phillip II (16th century rise and what Phillip did that resulted in their fall) Two Step Direction Phrase: Focus not only on the pillars of Spanish power but also on the decisions Phillip made that were essential in Spanish decline.

2. Introduction:

3. Introduction In the second half of the sixteenth century, the number one power in the world was Spain under the control of Phillip II. The pillars to their power was New World riches, increased population, an efficient bureaucracy and military, and their supreme influence in the Mediterranean. We will be discussing the obstacles and decisions that Phillip made that were essential in the demise in the Spanish Empire. The revolts of the Netherland, their affairs with the British, and the rise of Protestantism all were major players in the decline of the Spanish Empire.

4. Body One

5. Body One The Netherlands was an important asset to the Spanish Empire. It was not only the richest area in Europe, it was the richest area in the whole of Europe. The merchant towns of the Netherlands were Calvinist strongholds. The Netherlands were influenced by variety and toleration rather than monarchial order. France and Britain’s help in the Netherlands revolt drew Phillip into wars with the English and the French that he didn’t win and that helped strengthen the Dutch and helped them gain their independence.

6. Body Two

7. Body Two Phillip had an interest in creating a tie with the British monarch. This tie would help him spread his Catholic ideas and help him acquire a world empire. Elizabeth ended Phillip quest to develop a tie between the two monarchs. Elizabeth was an ideal leader who was Protestant and she refused to accept Phillip’s hand in marriage. A series of Events led Spain into a war with the English. The war resulted in a Spanish defeat in 1588. This marked the decline of the Spanish empire.

8. Body Three

9. Body Three Phillip II was a dedicated Catholic. He was the catholic warrior on the continent and since the reformation there has been a rapid rise in Protestantism. Especially in the Netherlands where the merchant towns where Calvinist. Also, in France and in Britain Protestantism was growing rapidly. Phillip did have some success in suppressing the opposing religion, but not for long. Just like always Phillip was defeated and he lost territory, but most importantly he lost money. This played a major role in the demise of the Spanish.

10. Conclusion:

11. Conclusion As said before, Phillip II in the second half of the 1500s was the most powerful emperor in the world. Just like the quote says all of Phillip’s decisions had terrible repercussions and they all played a part in the demise of the Spanish Empire. So leadership did determine the country's fate. The Spanish decline led to an increase in French influence over the continent. This is when France became the number one power in Europe.

12. Miscellaneous: Look at the essay in three steps. Describe how Phillip’s conflict with the Netherlands played a part in the fate of the country. Phillip and how the war with England also was essential in the fate of the once great Spanish empire. Lastly, since Phillip was the epitome of a Catholic elaborate on how the rise of Protestantism played a role in the fate of the Spanish Empire.