Monarchies of Europe: Spain

1. Monarchies of Europe: Spain

2. The King Becomes Emperor • During the 1500’s to the 1700’s many kings throughout Europe became absolute monarchs – a ruler whose power was not limited by having to consult with anyone before making decisions • These rulers also believed they had divine right – their power came from God. • How would the idea of divine right affect how a king rules his country?

3. King Charles I (or V??) • In 1516 King Charles I became ruler of Spain • Charles also ruled Belgium and the Netherlands, but he wanted to become Holy Roman Emperor as well. • This position was elected and in order to get the job Charles paid people for their votes. • Charles was elected and became Charles V

5. Haven’t We Already talked about this guy??? • Yes • Charles V opposed Henry VIII’s divorce from Catherine because Catherine was his aunt • Part of the “religious wars” during the Counter-Reformation • Started a holy war against the princes of Germany that were converting to Protestantism.

6. Charles V • In 1555 Charles signed the Peace of Augsburg that allowed for German princes to decide if their states would be Catholic or Protestant • Thanks to Spanish explorers like Cortes and Coronado Charles V and Spain became incredibly wealthy. • In 1556 Charles stepped down from his thrones and divided his power between his brother Ferdinand I (Holy Roman Emperor) and his son Philip II (Spain, Netherlands, Sicily, and American colonies)

8. Artistic Achievements • The mid 1500’s to mid 1600’s are known as the Golden Age of art in Spain • El Greco – from Greece (surprise!) painted mostly religious works and focused on Spain’s role in the Counter-Reformation • Diego Velazquez – painted people from all social classes • Miguel de Cervantes – a famous writer, wrote Don Quixote • Sister Juana Ines de las Cruz – wrote poetry, prose, and plays

9. The Disrobing of Christ -El Greco

18. Spain Under Philip II • The Spanish Empire reached its peak under Philip II thanks to gold and other riches from the American colonies • However, money does not solve all problems • 1) Philip was a devout Catholic who wanted to spread the Counter-Reformation. He married Queen Mary I of England (Bloody Mary, Henry’s daughter) who died before producing a male heir that would keep England Catholic. • 2) His subjects in the Netherlands were becoming Protestant and they refused to declare allegiance to Philip. This led to conflict until 1609 when Philip agreed to let the Netherlands form a separate nation.

19. Spain Under Philip II • 3) Conflict between Spain and England once Elizabeth becomes Queen. • English and Dutch ships began to attack Spanish ships to seize the treasure coming from the New World • Philip decided to invade England to stop the raids and to convert England back to Catholicism • In order to do this Philip built the Spanish Armada – a fleet of 130 ships and over 20,000 soldiers. • Philip thought he was invincible with his armada and in 1588 the Spanish invaded. Due to several mishaps, storms, and the British much of the armada was destroyed. • Spanish Armada...1588

20. Spain Under Philip II • Why did Spain decline in power even though it was the richest nation in the world? • 1) Defeat of the Spanish Armada by England • 2) Overspending on military – used up all the money coming in from the new world • 3) Poor government management • 4) Spain did not develop industries as quickly as England and other European nations