Spains Empire and European Absolutism Introduction Charles V

Spain’s Empire and European Absolutism

Introduction • Charles V became the Holy Roman Emperor in 1519 and ruled much of Germany. • Inherited Spain, Italy, and the Americas from his mother. • The first time since the late 700 s that a European ruler controlled so much territory.

A Powerful Spanish Empire • Spain became extremely wealthy and powerful during Charles’ reign, thanks to Spain’s American colonies • Charles V (King of the Holy Roman Empire) retired in 1556 and divided his land. • Gave his brother, Ferdinand, Austria and the Holy Roman Empire. • Gave his son, Philip II, Spain, the Spanish Netherlands and the American colonies.

Philip II’s Empire • Philip was • very religious • hard working • suspicious • aggressive • 1580, Captured Portugal • Became the richest king in the world.

Philip’s Military • Philip had a huge army of about 50, 000 soldiers. • He was able to support the army due to his wealth. • Spain was incredibly rich because of Silver imported from America • The Spanish Armada was the world’s most powerful navy. 200 ships and 30, 000 soldiers.

Defender of Catholicism • When Philip became king, Europe was still in the middle of religious wars caused by the Reformation. • Philip felt it was his duty to defend Catholicism. • 1571, Philip declared war on the Ottomans. • Philip defeated an Ottoman armada at the battle of Djerba, a strategic island in the Mediterranean.

The Defeat of the Spanish Armada • Philip married Mary I of England, but promptly went back to Spain. Upon Mary’s death, he proposed to Elizabeth, but she refused him. • Philip sent his armada to battle the English Protestants. • This time he lost. • This seriously weakened Spain, but because of its wealth it appeared to remain strong.

Golden Age of Spanish Art & Literature Spain’s wealth allowed the arts to flourish • Don Quixote • El Greco • Diego Velazquez

The Spanish Empire Weakens • This time period had become a materialistic one. • The Americas had made Spain temporarily wealthy due to the gold and silver they supplied. • This treasure helped cause long-term economic problems.

Inflation • One of Spain’s problems was severe inflation. • Inflation = decline in the value of money, accompanied by the rise in the prices of goods and services. • Two main causes: • Growing population Demand for more food. • Silver flooded the market Decreased its value.

Taxes • Spain had expelled Jews and Muslims in the 1500 s. • Lost many valuable artisans and businessmen. • Spain’s nobles did not have to pay taxes. • Tax burden fell on the lower classes. • Could never get ahead and develop their own business. • Therefore, no middle class developed.

Making Spain’s Enemies Rich • The same companies that started in the Middle Ages still dominated business. • Old-fashioned methods • High prices • Spaniards turned to France, England & the Netherlands for cheaper goods. • This only made the other countries richer. • These countries were Spain’s enemies.

Borrowing Money • In order to finance wars, Spain had to borrow money. • Spain borrowed money from German and Italian bankers. • Sent shiploads of silver to repay the debts. • Philip had to declare Spain bankrupt three times.

The Dutch Revolt • Spain had to keep an army in the Spanish Netherlands to keep the people under control. • Spain = Catholic; Dutch = Calvinist • Spain = poor economy; Dutch = prosperous middle class • Philip raised taxes in the Netherlands and tried to crush Protestantism.

The Dutch Revolt (cont. ) • 1566, Protestants swept through Catholic churches to destroy their idols. • Philip sent an army to punish the rebels. • 1, 500 Protestants and suspected rebels were executed in a single day. • The Dutch and Spanish fought for 11 more years. • Seven northern provinces of the Netherlands united and declared their independence from Spain. • Ten southern provinces stayed under Spanish control.

The Dutch Iconoclasm (Beeldenstorm) started a war between Spain and the Netherlands

The Independent Dutch Prosper • The seven northern provinces became known as the United Provinces of the Netherlands. • They practiced religious toleration. • They formed a republic, not a kingdom. • Each elected a governor, whose power depended on the support of merchants and landowners. • The Dutch became extremely wealthy due to trade • Dutch East India Company

Dutch Art • Art flourished under the Dutch Golden Age • Rembrandt • Vermeer

Absolutism in Europe • Although Philip lost his Dutch possessions, in many ways he was a model of an Absolute Monarch. • He tried to control every aspect of his empire’s affairs. • Following Philip, many rulers would claim the authority to rule without limits on their power.

Crises Lead to Absolutism • Religious and territorial conflicts between states led to almost continuous warfare. • In response, governments built huge armies and raised taxes. • Led to unrest and revolts by peasants. • In response to the crises, monarchs tried to increase their own power. • Regulated religious worship and social gatherings. • Goal: To free themselves from the limitations imposed by the nobility and by representative bodies such as the Parliament.